Survey & Research Programs

Research Resources

Employee benefit professionals are facing a benefits landscape that changes daily. The International Foundation’s research efforts provide pertinent information to enhance the capacity of members and other constituents to make critical decisions. Surveys include difficult-to-find details, strategies and tactics that have been successful when addressing the challenging benefits environment.

Benchmarking and Hot Topic Surveys

• Pension Plans:  Impact of the Financial Crisis; May 2009
• Multiemployer Pension Funding Status and Freeze Decision; April 2009
• Health Care Plans: Impact of the Financial Crisis; April 2009
• Employee Benefits Survey: U.S. and Canada; 2009
• Health Care Cost Control: Industry Approaches and Attitudes; 2009
• Plan Sponsors and Participants: Partners in Times of Crisis; December 2008
• Survey & Sample Series provides detailed benchmarking data on a host of topics ranging from wellness to investment management services. All reports within this series include actual samples of appropriate benefit plans, policies, forms and checklists.

[Click here to view a complete list of surveys.]

Special Reports

• The 2008 Directory of Health Care Purchasing Coalitions: Multiemployer and Public Plans is a one-of-a kind directory highlighting health care purchasing coalitions that help trustees and administrators of multiemployer and public employer health care plans utilize health plan dollars most efficiently.
• Health and OPEB Funding Strategies: 2008 National Survey of Local Governments reports on awareness of and response to GASB 45 and local government strategies being used to address health care costs. Conducted by Cobalt Community Research, the study was funded in part by the International Foundation.

Research Services

• Research Assistance -- An exclusive member benefit The Information Center offers members flexibility in determining the type of research assistance preferred; whether you prefer self-serve access available anytime, or would rather ask an Information Specialist to do the research and send an e-mail response.
• Collaboration & Presentations The Foundation is always interested in working collaboratively with external organizations to develop research products and services. We also embrace opportunities to share our knowledge with others by presenting research findings at meetings and conferences. For additional information on these research services, please contact Sally Natchek, CEBS, Senior Director of Research.

Collaboration The International Foundation undertakes joint projects with external organizations including university-based, nonprofit and corporate researchers. We welcome opportunities to work collaboratively on research products and services in the areas of benefits, compensation and financial literacy. The International Foundation seeks and responds to calls for research and program proposals, and funding for projects in these areas as well.

Presentations The International Foundation embraces opportunities to present research findings to external organizations via presentations at meetings or through print and other educational media.