New and Noteworthy

This month's spotlight

Election 2024

The 2024 presidential election is drawing to a close, and employers need to be ready to handle a range of important workplace issues that could stem from the outcome.

Man giving hand to depressed woman,Psychiatrist holding hands pa

Companies have been more vocal about the importance of addressing mental health since the pandemic, but their work isn't done.

November 18
6 Min Read
Other articles

The new regulation could be a game changer for health plans, but employers must be prepared to expand their coverage.

November 21
5 Min Read
A woman writes on a notebook while another woman sits on the couch in front of her.

Two experts in their fields discuss how technology has changed the mental health space — for better and for worse.

November 20
4 Min Read
Woman using tablet for telehealth appointment with doctor

Ron Marhofer Auto Family provides a supportive environment where wellness thrives among its diverse workforce.

November 19
5 Min Read
Two employees at car repair

Previous topics

Excellence in Benefits 2024

Meet the 25 HR and benefits leaders being honored for their efforts in compassion, innovation and equality.

September 3
A man leans back on his chair in a sunlit office with plants.

EBN's Excellence in Benefits winners set an example by prioritizing their own mental health and the well-being of their families.

September 17

A number of this year's Excellence in Benefits award winners share their secrets to succeeding in the benefits space.

September 18
Leader talking to table of employees

Shaping future leadership, building the best benefits and staying ahead of the tech curve — these executives are excited for what's to come.

September 19
Better Tech, Better Benefits

Industry experts came together to share some of the best — and worst — technology has had to offer the workplace.

August 27
A doctor shows a patient something on an iPad while seated at a table; their heads are not in frame.

Health plan provider Centivo is using technology to improve the member experience in an infamously frustrating industry for patients.

August 28
Veterinarian with dog at vet clinic

Behind-the-scenes tools make it easy for Evette's staffers to communicate, reward and retain their veterinarians and vet technicians.

August 29
Stethoscope on computer with international medical insurance, he

Experts predict how innovations will make employer-provided benefits more personalized, easier to use and lead to better outcomes.

August 30
Going green 2024
A reusable water bottle next to a laptop

Small and large efforts, and a spirit of collaboration, can make a difference in reducing the impact of climate change.

July 30
People picking up trash on beach

Paycor's CHRO shares how making small moves and keeping open communication can catapult ESG efforts.

August 2
Chief sustainability officer

A former CSO shares her experience with the role, as well as predictions for what the future could hold for corporate sustainability.

August 1
Smoke emitting from smokestack pipes during sunset.

Climate change is already responsible for over $800 billion in healthcare costs, and employers are likely already feeling the loss.

July 31
Compensation 2024

New emerging trends in the pay and compensation space could shed some light on what the future holds for employees.

June 24
A woman is working on her laptop from a long wood table overlooking a view of the ocean.

Financial planning programs, expanded PTO and flexibility can attract and retain talent, according to this expert from ADP.

June 25
Business woman standing outside

Women need a boost of confidence before heading to the negotiating table. This C-suite executive shares what worked for her.

June 26
Fanned stack of hundred dollar bills

Executives from various industries talk about taking career risks and the importance of knowing your worth.

June 27
The Tech Revolution, 2024
A man in a blue button-up is smiling at his silver laptop in his living room. The wall is blue and there is a wooden shelf behind him.

An expert from Businessolver explains how HR can bring AI and benefits together for a better employee experience.

April 29
Magic eight ball.

Workers want help doing their jobs more efficiently, as well as tips for managing annoying colleagues.

April 29
Woman interviewing virtually; person holding resume

Time saved with technology increases the odds of finding the right fit for a role.

April 30
Woman standing in front of a window texting on her phone

Pairing AI with traditional mental health support can help employees stick to a routine that will improve their health and well-being.

May 1
Old and young employee looking at a computer screen

HR and tech experts from 5fn and MasterClass at Work reveal the role tech will play in fostering more connection.

May 2
The state of healthcare, 2024
A South Asian woman is in front of her laptop, her eyes closed and fingers pressed to her forehead in exhaustion.

Exclusive research from Arizent reveals how employers and employees are managing out-of-control cost increases with better benefits and new solutions.

April 8
$100 bills with a stethoscope on top

Rising costs and ever-changing employee needs mean that employers need to reconsider their health plan model.

April 9
Woman sitting on her bed with her head down

CEO of WellTheory Ellen Rudolph shares her journey to diagnosis and why it inspired her to start her company.

April 9
Uncertain or preoccupied female employee with hands clasped

No matter the details of an OCD diagnosis, employer health benefits are an essential part of managing the condition.

April 10
A woman is sitting on her gray couch with her laptop in her lap, looking confused; a yellow pillow is next to her, and it's daytime.

Research from Arizent reveals how workers' lack of healthcare literacy can impact their well-being.

April 11
The Child Care Crisis
Mom holding daughter and smiling

Working parents spend 20% of their income on child care — if they can even find it. Employers can offer a helping hand, and better benefits and workplace support.

February 20
A mom, Latina, sits at her dining room table with her baby boy while scrolling on her laptop; daylight streams from a window to her right.

Experts from the University of Phoenix and MomsRising break down how employers can help low-income moms overcome career barriers.

February 21
Woman working at her desk while holding a baby.

Two workplace experts discuss how to keep working parents in mind when transitioning employees back to the office.

February 21

Jennifer Barnes, CEO of accounting firm Optima Office, established a formal policy to allow employees to bring their kids to the office.

February 22
New Year, Old Office
Business woman talking on a Zoom call

Employees in the office and working from home feel unsatisfied with a hybrid work model. Here's how employers can rethink their approach.

January 8
A modern office space with three rows of white desks and Mac desktops.

Experts from Different DEI and Kindercare break down how to build an inclusive office space for a diverse workforce.

January 8

The battle over RTO continues, and employees are fed up with reporting to offices simply to stare at Zoom calls.

January 11
Employees working together in office

A well-constructed in-office plan can generate more than just a clock-in, clock-out routine for employees.

January 16
hybrid meeting

From new video conferencing platforms to more responsive cameras, improving tech tools is critical for a blended workforce.

January 17

From fully remote approaches to a commitment to hybrid, industry leaders share how they chose their policies.

January 18
23 things we learned in 2023

From Ally to AllState, here are the big benefit moves organizations made throughout the year.

December 18
A young woman writing code in her city loft apartment in the early evening.

The chief well-being officer from EY and chief people officer from Headspace reveal what benefits will be vital to employee productivity and retention.

December 14
Five coworkers high-five each other over a worktable

From AI's impact to the innovations that can make healthcare affordable, we recap the hardest-won lessons of the year.

December 13
Woman standing in front of a wall with post-it notes

Amanda Rieger, a psychic medium, wellness coach and the founder of Soul Pathology, shares how employers can approach health and wellness in the new year.

December 12
Reading book at work

Leaders found ways to increase well-being and manage better in some of their favorite reads of the year.

December 15
Mind and Body

Another viral TikTok term has joined "quiet quitting" and the Great Resignation as popular workplace trends, but experts say it might be here to stay.

October 18
Firefighters training inside a burning building.

Derek Farrow reflects on a nearly decade-long career as a firefighter and its impact on his mental health.

October 19

Virtual care platform Equip provides patients with a five-person care team and support for the entire family with eating disorder recovery.

October 18
PWC building

The mission to help employees maintain mental wellness looks different for each, but they share a common goal of creating a strong, happy workforce.

October 20

Emerging trends in mental health care are redefining how people are prioritizing their well-being and treating more serious mental health conditions.

October 17
Excellence in Benefits Awards 2023

Get to know the HR leaders, tech innovators and benefit advisers who went above and beyond in 2023 to support employees and clients.

September 12
Jennie Rogerson 

Jennie Rogerson, global head of people at Canva, is on a mission to invest in employee well-being, with a long list of benefits to prove it.

September 12
Laura Closs

The VP and consultant taps into her skills as a problem solver to build complex but easy-to-use benefit plans.

September 12
Sach Jain 

The CEO is bringing transparency, bundled payments and affordable high-quality care to members across the country.

September 12
Lynee Luque

Lynee Luque is establishing leadership programs that make it possible for all employees to pursue professional growth at NerdWallet.

September 13
Bernie Knobbe

Whether it's a chat in the office or championing mental health initiatives, the benefits leader uses relationships to make the workplace better.

September 13
Dannii Portsmouth 

Focusing on career development for frontline employees is vital to the beverage company's success.

September 14
Emma Fox

Emma Fox, managing partner at E Powered Benefits, is creating a healthcare plan that doesn't depend on insurance carriers.

September 14
Ron Gura

Ron Gura, co-founder and CEO of Empathy, is determined to provide holistic bereavement benefits to companies of all sizes.

September 15
Nancy Jester 

Walmart's senior manager of physical and emotional wellness has lived experience that informs how she creates benefits today.

September 15
Lindsey Cushman

At the space technology company, the benefits leader is passionate about making mental health care accessible to all.

September 18
Matthew Harmon

Matthew Harmon, vice president of benefits at AutoZone explains why he made the decision to better support their hourly workbase.

September 18
Mindy Zatto

Mindy Zatto, founding principal of Strategic Benefits Advisors, is on a mission to simplify and demystify retirement plans.

September 18
Brooke Wilson 

Human connection created personalization and ease of access for employees seeking to better themselves and the lives of their families.

September 19
Peter Freska 

The adviser is out to improve care delivery — and make sure small employers have access to big benefits.

September 19
Michelle Hamilton

As she scales the company's culture, Hamilton knows that grassroots employee involvement is a key to success.

September 19
Tracee Sanders 

Taking time to rest and recharge is one way employees can stay focused on combating childhood hunger and poverty.

September 20
Lauren Haddox

At the School District of Osceola County, a self-managed benefits plan and on-site healthcare center have improved the health of 7,600 employees.

September 20
John Lowell 

Lowell and his team see the "plan of the future" as something that provides flexibility and personalization in retirement.

September 20
Louis Chesney

The neurodiversity program manager shares how his position has helped him give back to his community.

September 21
Dominique Schroeder 

Spearheading an in-depth survey and listening to employees has helped her understand what they really want from their organization.

September 21
Anitra St. Hilaire 

According to Anitra St. Hilaire, being a good people leader is as simple as doing what you can with what you have.

September 22
Dervilla Lannon 

Lannon has been able to rapidly evolve benefits to support working parents at the cloud-based workplace security platform.

September 22
Jennifer Sloan 

A focus on developing career paths has helped Jennifer Sloan build a workforce of talented, eager employees at software company Thryv.

September 25

Caring for her own son has driven this tech innovator to support family caregivers with their own mental health and well-being.

September 26
Build a better benefits strategy

Ed Ligonde of Nava Benefits explains the impact smart tech can have on advisers' work and client impact.

August 29

Amy Walker, CHRO at financial services firm Ascensus, breaks down her benefits strategy and open enrollment communication plan.

August 21

To deal with rising costs, Holmes Murphy advises employers on how they can use creative solutions and technology in their benefits strategy.

August 16

For open enrollment, a "one size fits all" strategy may not be best. Rather, employers should tailor their communications to specific demographics.

August 14
Money on the mind

To ensure their employees' financial wellness, emphasizing financial literacy is key.

July 20
Colleagues shake hands at a conference table.

Business leaders across several industries share how workers can up their pay this year.

July 20
Talking in therapy office

Two experts weigh in on how a good relationship with money connects to overall mental wellness.

July 19

Social media has definitely made financial advice more accessible, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's all good advice.

July 19

The Supreme Court put an end to Biden's plan to forgive more than $400 billion in student loan debt.

June 30
The Manager Diaries
Coworkers talking

Three executives share advice on balancing professional and personal responsibilities.

June 26
A woman explains a project to her colleagues at a table.

Three leaders reveal their approach to management and why it works.

June 27

AI, HR and business experts explain what managers can expect from AI — and how to keep it from spooking workers.

June 28
Robot using computer

Employees who don't like how they're being treated are more likely to say a robot could do a better job as boss.

June 28
How to be a Working Caregiver

The caregiver crisis is challenging workers' ability to manage stress and productivity. Here's how employers can help.

May 23

For working parents of neurodivergent children, caregiving support can be hard to access. One expert shares what must change.

May 25

Two real-life caregivers share their stories, stresses and support systems as they navigate the journey of providing care to a loved one.

May 24

Caregivers need to feel comfortable asking managers for help when they need it most.

April 26
Retirement Ready

From digital currencies and ESG-focused funds, the demand for diversification is at an all time high.

May 10

The median white family reaches retirement with $188,200 saved, compared to $36,000 for Hispanics, and just $25,000 for Blacks.

May 2

Experts from Microsoft, Bank of America and more spotlight easy-to-implement methods to improve employees' financial futures.

May 11

When it comes to planning for life after a 9 to 5, let those with experience be your guide.

May 4

Experts from Morgan Stanley at Work and Betterment at Work share the best ways workers can start saving.

May 8
The State of Healthcare 2023

Healthcare costs are only going up, and employers may need to rethink their gameplan.

April 4

Advisers are working to expand access to quality medical services for low-wage earners, as well as promoting transparency.

April 6

From custom tech to simple email updates, embrace tools that help employees access (and understand) their healthcare.

April 7

Industry expert Sylvester Schieber breaks down the challenges of the healthcare industry — and outlines steps toward better, affordable care.

April 5

For employees, managing rising costs of healthcare, food and other consumer goods is no small task. Here's how employers can help.

April 6
The Great Generational Divide

All workers want to feel supported by their employer. Across four generations, is it possible?

March 16

Professionals shared what work-related concerns are at top of mind — and how they're rising to the challenge.

March 15

In today's workforce, retirement isn't the only financial goal employees are working toward.

March 13

Workplace and social media experts weigh in on the role of newer social media platforms at work.

March 15

A negative work situation can affect anyone, but younger members of the workforce are much less tolerant and more willing to leave.

March 14
The Productivity Issue

Terry VanDuyn, director of product management at Kickstarter, shares a week in her life after her company switched to a four-day workweek.

January 30

A well-designed space that invites creativity and focus is possible for any organization with these architect-approved tips.

January 31
sleeping

Employers are losing out on over $100 billion a year in fatigue-related productivity loss.

December 21

TouchTunes Unlimited drops a jukebox right into your break room, boosting workplace well-being and improving productivity.

December 28

From time bursts of productivity to an accountability buddy, these apps can help employees stay on track.

February 1

Is your favorite song on the list? Touchtunes shared their top-played songs and genres for 2022.

February 3
22 Things We Learned from 2022

As plans come together for 2023, don't overlook the biggest takeaways of the past 12 months.

December 13

"We talk a lot about flexibility becoming the new currency," says Claudine Hoverson, chief talent officer at financial services firm Synchrony.

December 13

Flexibility in the workplace is the gift that keeps on giving.

December 13
Walmart.Bloomberg.1-11-18.jpg

From mental health support to paid leave for caregivers, employees want companies to play a more active role in their lives. These are a few of the ones that did.

December 14

IWG's CEO Mark Dixon argues that hybrid workplaces are the ideal solution for employer and employee success and wellness.

December 14

Dr. Meisha-ann Martin, senior director of people analytics and research at Workhuman, outlines takeaways from 2022 and shares how leaders can bring them into 2023.

December 15
The Truth About DEI

Arizent research found that more than 95% of employees think they have something to learn from people who are different from them. But only 66% think that diverse companies make better decisions.

November 15

Black individuals are misdiagnosed for mental health disorders at higher rates, and receive lesser treatment than their white peers. What can be done to create more equitable support?

November 15

Yrthya Dinzey-Flores from Justworks and Victoria Park from Hero Collective break down why DEI research and initiatives do not capture the needs of Hispanic women in the workplace.

November 15

Industry leaders share their best lessons for creating valuable inclusion, and spotlight where there's room to grow.

November 15
Excellence in Benefits Awards 2022

This year's award winners are working tirelessly to improve the work and life experience for employees and clients.

September 13

Bekki Early, global well-being program manager at digital infrastructure platform Equinix, is leading by example to put wellness first.

September 13

CEO and co-founder of child care platform Kinside is making child care more affordable for working parents.

September 13
McNiel and Avila.jpg

Andrew McNeil and Rosario Avila launched the firm's Spanish-speaking division to boost access and utilization.

September 13

Paul McCarthy, chief people officer at SevenRooms, explains his philosophy of prioritizing rest and respect in the workplace.

September 14

Lester Morales, CEO and founder of Next Impact, encourages employers and employees to shop for healthcare like they would any other consumer product, often with life-changing results.

September 14

Donald DeSantis, co-founder and chief product officer at Nava Benefits, is set on helping HR teams navigate the benefits marketplace.

September 14
Schmidt.jpg

Claire Schmidt, founder and CEO of employee feedback management platform AllVoices, is helping workers find their voice.

September 14
Srander.jpg

Karen Stander, VP of physical therapy and women's health at Hinge Health, launched a digital-first program to support women's pelvic health.

September 15
Power.jpg

Lori Power, founder of MP Benefits, works to bring value to every part of the employer/employee relationship.

September 15
Brunsdale.jpg

Tanner Brunsdale, senior manager of benefits and mobility at Lyft, is delivering equitable benefits to every corner of the globe.

September 15

Susan French, head of global total rewards at Ocean Spray, has made it her mission to tackle barriers to care.

September 15
Bell-Hunter.jpg

With a small, focused team, Diedrae Bell-Hunter delivers benefits to 22,000 employees across the Dallas Independent School District.

September 16
Lynett.jpg

Elena Lynett, VP at Segal, is helping organizations address overlooked employee struggles.

September 16
Carlisle.jpg

Kristen Carlisle, general manager of Betterment at Work, is finding new ways to help people through tough financial times.

September 16

Alex Frommeyer, co-founder and CEO of Beam Benefits, is working to bring ancillary benefits to every employer, regardless of size.

September 16
Back to School

Suneet Dua, chief growth officer of U.S. products and technology at PwC, explains how to create company-wide upskilling programs.

August 23

Rubina Malik, professor at Morehouse College and learning and development adviser at Malik Global Solutions, explains why upskilling and equity go hand in hand.

August 23
mentorship

Eighty-seven percent of mentors and mentees feel empowered by those relationships and have developed greater confidence at work.

August 23
upskilling

Demand for learning and development specialists increased 94% between July and September 2021, compared to the three months prior.

August 23

After 10 years with Lowe's, Damian Whilby is working toward his college degree with the help of his employer.

August 23

Employees who have a criminal background shouldn't be left in the shadows. Here's how these organizations provide training and mentorship opportunities, so your business can thrive.

August 23
How to Win the War for Talent

Original research by EBN's parent company, Arizent, shines a light on the many motivations driving employees to walk out the door. The good news? There are plenty of ways to make them want to stay.

July 19

These organizations help employers and recruiters get in touch with overlooked and marginalized groups of people who have the talent and drive to work.

July 19

What’s really driving all these quits? Three participants in the Great Resignation explain what drove them to make a change, and what life’s like on the other side.

July 19
;

ModernHire's SVP talks hiring, where it’s been, where it is and where it’s going — and most importantly, how employers can come out on top.

July 19
Advisers in Conversation

Advisers Sommer Sherrod and Michael Espinosa talk about the changing landscape of healthcare, and why working together can help drive innovation.

July 7

Ted Benna, the father of the 401(k), chats with Mindy Zatto of Strategic Benefits Advisors on the evolution of the retirement space, crypto investing and preparing workers for the day-to-day of retirement.

July 7

Benefit advisers Lester Morales and Brandon Weber bonded over a strong desire to fix the healthcare system, a challenge rooted in their childhoods.

July 7

Joe and Mike Markland see ICHRAs as a remedy for the root cause of escalating health insurance costs.

July 7
Money Matters

Employees want more insight and control over their retirement investments — and they want to support companies they can feel good about.

May 24

As more states and cities implement pay transparency laws, it’s not the only step employers need to take to ensure workers are being paid fairly.

May 24

Lauren Mason, a partner at Mercer, and Lori Wisper, a managing director at Willis Towers Watson, explain what inflation is costing employers and employees alike.

May 24

Cryptocurrencies have a reputation for being volatile. But an increasing amount of employees think digital assets are worth betting on — with the help of their employer.

May 24

As the future of federal student loan debt and forgiveness remains uncertain, employees are looking to their employers to help shore up their financial futures.

May 24
Do we care enough?

Caring for two generations left these caregivers feeling stuck and isolated — they share what helped them find the support they needed.

April 26

The app-based service delivers relief to employee caregivers and social support to families.

April 26
youngcaregivers

Twenty-five percent of new caregivers came into their role over the pandemic, more than half of whom are young adults.

April 26

Three physicians discuss the struggles they faced as moms in healthcare, and how change may be on the horizon.

April 26

For the 53 million unpaid caregivers in the U.S., the stress of employment may be the easiest thing to walk away from. These supportive benefits can help keep a workforce intact.

April 26
The State of Healthcare

CEOs, healthcare providers and patients weigh in on the state of healthcare in the U.S., and their hopes for its future.

June 28

We've gotten used to virtual doctors' visits. As technology continues to drive change in healthcare, it may create a path to better access.

June 28
healthcare

The likelihood of death of BIPOC employees is more than twice that of their white counterparts.

June 28

New benefits that address mental health, fertility, a cancer diagnosis and other needs are helping employees take control of their health and wellness.

June 28