Are benefits fueling the slow growth of the nation's wages, jobs?

Slow wage increases and job openings may be directly connected to the "wages to benefits" trend among many U.S. employers, according to one economic expert.

By Tom Starner • Jan. 7, 2016

An animated character makes health benefit decision-making easier

A company called Jellyvision is making healthcare benefit decision-making a smoother process, according to Fortune.

By Tom Starner • Jan. 5, 2016

Explore the Trendline➔

Inside the rapidly changing world of employee benefits

Healthcare costs are climbing and employee needs are changing. How can HR professionals adapt?

By HR Dive staff

Minimum wages rise in 14 states as 2016 arrives

The "Fight for 15" movement got a minor boost after New Year's, though wages don't yet reach that $15 standard.

By Tom Starner • Jan. 5, 2016

Why telecommuting could be a downside for onsite workers

Telecommuting scares some employers because they can't monitor workers at home, but a recent academic study found a distributed workforce could have other negative consequences: A lonely workplace.

By Tom Starner • Jan. 5, 2016

Pensions funding levels saw little change in 2015, says report

Pensions funded status among large employers remained relatively stable in 2015, according to a report from Willis Towers Watson.

By Tom Starner • Jan. 4, 2016

The 2016 benefits trends employers need to know

From wellness to health technology to HDHPs, the experts told us what they see as most important this year.

By Kathryn Moody • Jan. 4, 2016

Expert: Health benefits could be a workplace disruptor this year

Will employers moving to high-deductible healthcare benefit plans drive talented wokers out the door?

By Tom Starner • Jan. 4, 2016

The myth of work-life balance – and what employers can do

Work-life flexibility, on the other hand, is seeing its day.

By Tom Starner • Jan. 4, 2016

Why employers focused on health need to pay attention to the work environment

Taking a 'holistic' approach to the work environment can boost health outcomes, according to Gallup.

By Tom Starner • Dec. 23, 2015

Private exchanges doubled in 2015; more growth to come

The growth was largely fueled by the middle market, according to EBN.

By Tom Starner • Dec. 23, 2015

Consumer-driven healthcare may finally be getting traction

Consumer-driven healthplans have been around for 14 years, and they are beginning to have real impact, according to a recent survey from EBRI.

By Tom Starner • Dec. 23, 2015

Holidays are the wrong time for retirement planning messaging, experts say

Reminding employees about their retirement planning during the holidays is likely to fall flat.

By Tom Starner • Dec. 21, 2015

Employers could start helping workers buy their homes

It's not a typical benefit, as it has major issues with taxation, but a recent Facebook decision could give the idea a boost.

By Tom Starner • Dec. 21, 2015

House approves Cadillac tax stall, but employers still bracing for it

The omnibus bill including the extension is expected to pass the Senate and be signed by President Obama today. 

By Tom Starner • Dec. 18, 2015

Fed interest rate hike could affect retirement plans long-term

It could have a negative impact on employee retirement benefits if rates keep rising, according to Employee Benefit News.

By Tom Starner • Dec. 18, 2015

Deadline for ACA Jan. 1, 2016 coverage ends tonight

HR leaders of SMBs that do not offer insurance should remind their workforces of the deadline.

By Tom Starner • Dec. 17, 2015

2015: A year of 'adjustment, disruption' for benefits

The emergence of "freemium" benefits platforms and ACA-driven administrative burdens were two of the most disruptive trends in HR, according to a benefits expert.

By Tom Starner • Dec. 17, 2015

Holiday bonuses are alive and well, says Aon survey

An Aon Hewitt survey reports that just under half of employers are giving traditional holiday bonuses in 2015.

By Tom Starner • Dec. 16, 2015

Cadillac tax may be delayed two years: Congress

The House of Representatives reached a "tentative accord" Tuesday night on a spending bill that includes language on the tax.

By Kathryn Moody • Dec. 16, 2015

More employers using 'per child' charges for health benefits

Companies are looking for ways to slow their healthcare costs – and very large employers are looking at "unitized pricing" to do it.

By Kathryn Moody • Dec. 15, 2015

Questions to ask before buying a wellness app

Apps can be a prime driver of a wellness program's success, but only if employers ask the right questions before buying into them.

By Tom Starner • Dec. 11, 2015

CFOs more willing to negotiate perks, study says

Many CFOs have a slightly skewed perception of what employees actually covet most as a benefit, however.

By Tom Starner • Dec. 11, 2015

Time to make portable benefits a reality, says freelance group founder

Gig economy workers need portable benefits to keep their careers viable, says Sara Horowitz of Freelancer's Union.

By Tom Starner • Dec. 10, 2015

Trend watch: College debt repayment attracting talent

Employers who hire a lot of college grads in particular are continuing to explore repaying or refinancing student loans.

By Tom Starner • Dec. 10, 2015

Personalized wellness may bring more cost savings, participation

Moving away from generic wellness may be the best way to improve employee health and reduce costs, according to a panel of experts.

By Tom Starner • Dec. 10, 2015