Articles - Grid

Promoting a workplace culture that embraces body diversity supports the broader goals of group benefits. The author explores how organizations, by supporting mental health services and implementing thoughtful policies, can help plan members stay engaged in their health journey, reducing costs and improving plan stability.

As the integration of artificial intelligence becomes increasingly widespread, its potential to transform workplaces is growing, along with the risks. The author examines key legal considerations for employers and benefits professionals navigating this evolving technology.

For many midlife women, the most demanding stage of their careers overlaps with increasing household responsibilities, caregiving duties and a health transition that remains widely unsupported in both clinical care and workplace benefits. Just as mental health transformed the benefits landscape a decade ago, the companies that lead on this issue will shape the future of work—and outperform those that don’t.

Employee benefit plan trustees and administrators could view a Department of Labor (DOL) audit as an opportunity to demonstrate adherence to fiduciary standards. This article identifies key steps in preparing for a compliance audit.

Health plans often struggle to successfully navigate the independent dispute resolution (IDR) process established by the No Surprises Act. What is the root of the issue, and how can plan sponsors and fiduciaries respond?

Amid new regulations and a rash of fiduciary breach litigation, defined contribution plan sponsors should pay close attention to how plan forfeitures are allocated. The author offers considerations for ongoing compliance and strategies for minimizing fiduciary risk.

What’s the best way to ensure that a well-funded defined benefit pension plan is sustainable in the long term? When should benefit improvements or contribution reductions be considered? These are just some of the challenging questions faced by trustees of well-funded plans.

This article looks at the shift from DB to DC retirement plans, the evolving legislation supporting DC retirement plans and considerations for plan sponsors offering these plans to their employees.

This article identifies points to consider when designing and administering a plan in the current legislative framework and explores the general principles underlying the design of a pension plan.

Cost continues to be a challenging issue for individuals enrolled in non-group health plans. Enrollees also tend to face greater difficulties finding doctors and hospitals that accept their coverage. A public option for the non-group market holds promise, but several issues need to be addressed.

Employees’ needs evolve at every stage of life, yet benefits communications often take a one-size-fits-all approach. To truly engage employees, organizations should consider crafting tailored messaging that aligns with what people want, when they need it.

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Anxiety can creep into our lives in many forms, from the subtle dread that sets in as the weekend winds down to the unnoticed tension that only becomes clear once it starts affecting our behaviour. The author explores how anxiety shows up in the workplace, how to recognize it, and practical techniques to manage it and thrive in spite of it.

Loneliness is gaining recognition as a significant public health issue, presenting an opportunity for employers and benefits providers to help address loneliness, anxiety and depression among employees. The author highlights ways organizations can play a role in reducing these mental health challenges within the workforce.

A chief mental health officer can enhance employee performance; improve workplace culture; facilitate psychological health and safety programs; reduce costs from presenteeism, disability leaves and turnover; and signal to job candidates that the organization values employee well-being. The author explores their vital role in guiding leadership and strengthening organizations.

Integrating diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) strategies into financial wellness programs can help organizations drive lasting improvements in their employees’ financial well-being—especially when programs work through trusted peer networks like employee resource groups (ERGs).

Reference-based pricing (RBP) can safeguard health plan participants from excessive medical charges while also saving money for health plan sponsors. The authors outline a three-phase approach for implementing RBP.

A crisis can occur at any time, without warning and with potentially serious consequences, especially if you are unprepared. Fortunately, proper planning can help your employee benefit plan ameliorate the impacts of these events.

The increase in the number and sophistication of cyberattacks has made it increasingly difficult to protect employee benefit plan member data. Artificial intelligence (AI) holds promise for better data security while improving members’ experience.