Survey & Research Programs

Research Resources

The purpose of the International Foundation’s research efforts is to enhance the capacity of its members and constituents to understand, design and deliver employee benefits that improve the financial security of plan participants and employees. 

• Benchmarking Studies In an effort to fill gaps in existing marketplace research, the International Foundation regularly conducts surveys that allow plan sponsors and other groups to benchmark their programs against those of others. The Employee Benefits Survey: U.S. and Canada summarizes the prevalence of health care, pension and other benefits, as well as examines the design structure within plans. The 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.
• Attitudinal Surveys The International Foundation conducts attitudinal surveys that measure the opinions, beliefs and perceptions of leaders in the benefits industry as well as examine strategies and tactics that have been successful when addressing challenges such as managing drug benefit costs. Through its comprehensive survey, Health Care Cost Control: Industry Attitudes and Approaches, benefits practitioners and trustees share best practices and actionable solutions that have worked for managing health care costs, and offer opinions on the future design and structure of health care plans.
• Coming Soon—Special Reports The 2008 Directory of Health Care Purchasing Coalitions:  Multiemployer and Public Plans will be available soon.  This one-of-a kind directory highlights health care purchasing coalitions that help trustees and administrators of multiemployer and public employer health care plans utilize health plan dollars most efficiently.