The number of Americans who receive mental health treatment or counseling has steadily increased over the years, with 41.7 million adults obtaining treatment in 2021. With the financial and emotional stressors of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown, more people have sought help. For those interested in seeking professional mental health care, it is …
September is Healthy Aging Month is celebrating its 30th anniversary. The observance highlights the positive aspects and facets of growing older with the goal of inspiring individuals to be responsible for their own wellness. Created in 1992 by Carolyn Worthington, the observance has gleaned more interest as aging and wellness …
SHRM’s 2019 Employee Benefits Survey found that 64% of employers provide wellness information and resources. With health care costs continuously increasing, employers and employees strive to save money. A wellness program is an attractive solution as it has the potential to reduce health care costs and boost workplace satisfaction. Wellness …
Life can be unpredictable which is why many employers offer voluntary benefits including accident insurance. When an accidental injury occurs, accident insurance provides financial protection for covered employees. Some plans include accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) as an add-on to accident insurance; however, it is typically offered as a separate …
Massachusetts’ COVID-19 emergency paid sick leave program expired March 15, 2022. This law required employers to provide up to 40 hours of paid sick leave for certain COVID-19-related reasons. In late February, the Massachusetts Executive Office for Administration and Finance alerted employers that reimbursements for the program were reaching their …
March 8 marked International Women’s Day, and this year’s IWD theme, #BreakTheBias, highlights the need to remove stereotypes against women in the workplace. Gender diversity improves the workplace for all—a McKinsey study found that for every 10% increase in gender diversity, company earnings before taxes and interest rose by 3.5%. …
Mask-wearing recommendations have been loosened by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Currently, with 70% of the nation residing in low- or medium-risk counties, only individuals in high-risk areas are recommended to wear masks in indoor settings. COVID-19 Community Levels can be used to determine the risk level …
Over the years, the spotlight on mental health has gotten brighter and brighter. Employers have become more well-versed and now understand the importance of recognizing employees’ mental health as it affects their well-being and productivity. Due to the pandemic and the Great Resignation, the workplace has seen an increased need …
On August 16, 2021, the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor and the Treasury (collectively, the Departments) issued a frequently asked question (FAQ) regarding enforcement of the contraceptive coverage mandate under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Contraceptive Mandate The ACA requires non-grandfathered health plans to cover certain …
Financial concerns are one of the largest causes of stress among employees, and the current pandemic has only exacerbated the need for benefits that help employees navigate the daily stressors in their lives. We’ve seen financial wellness programs gaining traction across a multitude of industries as employers realize the importance …
When employees are well informed about their benefits, they are more inclined to make smart decisions that protect their health and financial well-being. Furthermore, educating employees about the value and range of their benefits can cultivate trust and confidence with their employer, which can have a positive impact on recruitment …
The COVID-19 pandemic has and continues to force many organizations to adapt and reimagine their service offerings to prioritize the health and safety of their employees. Since in-person visits to the doctor were put on hold in 2020, telehealth saw an increase in popularity. This allowed employees and their families …
Retirement planning is one evolving area where employees are seeking out solutions that assist them and their family members in building strong financial futures. According to the Employee Benefits Research Institute, over four out of five workers say their employer converting retirement savings into regular income would be helpful. Additionally, …
Over the course of the year, we have seen increased demand for well-being programs and mental health resources from a wide array of employee populations. To meet this demand, employers have been prompted to create, or ramp up current well-being offerings, which can electrify a healthier and more engaged workforce. …
Throughout the pandemic, the opportunity to engage in traditional healthcare dwindled due to the risk of infection and reallocation of resources. Now, with a large percentage of Americans fully vaccinated and demand for care increasing, the popularity of telemedicine continues to boom. New research shows that virtual care will outlast …
