3 min read

Employee Wellbeing: Beyond ROI

By Nicole Fallowfield on Jun 10, 2015 6:30:00 AM

Traditionally, wellness programs have been quite predictable. Your employees take a health risk assessment and participate in biometric screenings. These will stratify participants into a given health risk category. Health coaching often follows. And there is usually some amount of incentive tied to the completion of the aforementioned activities.

Topics: Employee Benefits Health Risk Management
3 min read

Mistakes To Avoid When Implementing A Consumer Directed Health Plan

By Gibson on Jun 8, 2015 6:30:00 AM

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger, Dr. Eric Bricker, Chief Medical Officer of Compass Professional Health Services. We hope you enjoy Dr. Eric’s wisdom and perspective.

While there are many lessons learned from the past 8 years I’ve spent working with clients on their consumer directed health plans, three in particular stick out.

Topics: Employee Benefits
4 min read

3 Important Insights From Best Places To Work Companies

By Gibson on May 27, 2015 6:30:00 AM

Employee engagement matters. The connection to the bottom line is clear. Yet studies by Gallup continue to report employee engagement levels at less than one-third.

How do you create a positive workplace culture where employees feel valued and engaged? It varies for every company. To shine light on the topic, we consulted a few of our fellow Best Places To Work in Indiana honorees for their advice - what makes your organization a great place to work? What is your lesson to share with other companies?

Topics: Risk Management Employee Benefits
2 min read

Don’t Overlook Your Employees’ Financial Wellbeing

By Nicole Fallowfield on May 20, 2015 6:30:00 AM

What causes the most stress for Americans? Money.

According to the American Psychological Association, money has consistently topped the charts as the number one source of stress.

Stress is one of the greatest causes for chronic disease, and chronic disease is one of the largest contributors to early death. Yet many of our workplace wellness programs are lacking initiatives to address this key stressor: financial concerns. Why is that?

Topics: Employee Benefits Health Risk Management
3 min read

Mental Health In The Workplace

By Nicole Fallowfield on May 6, 2015 6:30:00 AM

  • 1 in 5 American adults will have a diagnosable mental health condition in any given year.
  • Annually, mental illness and substance abuse cost employers approximately $80 to $100 billion in indirect costs. Depression alone is estimated to cause 200 million lost workdays each year, costing employers $17 to $44 billion.
  • Stress and anxiety cause more work absences than physical illness or injury.

Mental illness is much more common than most people realize. Ignoring it can be costly to you and the individual, as mental health conditions can get significantly worse if untreated.

Topics: Employee Benefits Health Risk Management
2 min read

How Do You Know If Your Benefits Measure Up?

By Gibson on May 4, 2015 6:30:00 AM

Health care is expensive and often confusing. No doubt about it. But it is also immensely important. Benefits offerings are a major factor in employee recruitment and retention. So how do your benefits stack up to others in your industry? Are your offerings competitive? Are they the best option for your team? How do you determine if your benefits measure up?

Topics: Employee Benefits
3 min read

From Wellness To Wellbeing

By Nicole Fallowfield on Apr 15, 2015 6:30:00 AM

“Wellness” and “wellbeing” are synonymous. But “wellness” has been diluted in the marketplace. Traditional workplace wellness is flawed. It has an intense focus on physical health and unrealistic expectations. It’s often based on ineffective incentives. Incentives may help encourage participation, but are they leading to engagement in the wellness programs? Doubtful.

Topics: Employee Benefits Health Risk Management Workers' Compensation
4 min read

Prescription Costs On The Rise: Strategies To Manage Your Rx Spend

By Ray Korson on Apr 13, 2015 6:30:00 AM

Blog updated on March 27, 2017 to reflect most recent data.

According to Express Scripts’ 2016 Drug Trend Report, national prescription drug spending increased just 3.8% in 2016, down from 5.2% in 2015 and a whopping 13.1% in 2014. This may very well come as a surprise to those who have witnessed prescription drug claims jump from 18-20% of their total medical and Rx spend to 35% and greater. Don't worry, you're not alone! 

Topics: Employee Benefits
4 min read

Human Capital Summit: Innovative Experiences For Health Consumers

By Gibson on Mar 18, 2015 6:30:00 AM

On March 11, 2015 we presented the Human Capital Summit. Meredith Baratz, Vice President of Strategic Insight and Innovation at UnitedHealthcare, presented on designing innovative experiences and solutions for health consumers. Below are the highlights.

Topics: Employee Benefits Health Care Reform Health Risk Management
4 min read

Human Capital Summit – Marketplace Perspectives

By Gibson on Mar 17, 2015 6:30:00 AM

On March 11, 2015 we presented the Human Capital Summit. Jill Ostrem and Chad Towner shared marketplace perspectives. Below are the highlights.

Topics: Employee Benefits Health Care Reform Health Risk Management