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Talking Benefits

International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans benefits pros Julie Stich, Justin Held, Anne Patterson and Stacy Van Alstyne dive into retirement, health care, hot trends, or whatever else the benefits industry throws at them.
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Episodes

What You Need to Know About Secure Act 2.0

We're diving into the Secure Act 2.0 and what it means for employer and plan sponsors. Read the blog post that inspired this episode here: https://blog.ifebp.org/what-plan-sponsors-need-to-know-after-the-passage-of-secure-2-0-act-of-2022/ Stay up-to-date with the International Foundation's Secure Act 2.0 webpage: https://www.ifebp.org/Resources/benefits-transition-tracker/Pages/secure-act.aspx Check out the Senate summary of the bill here: https://www.finance.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Secure%202....

Jan 25, 202319 min

2022 Benefits Year in Review

Another year is coming to an end and we reflect on all that has happened in the benefits industry in 2022 with a Charles Dickens twist. You'll hear the tale of Ebenefits Scrooge and the ghosts of Benefits Past, Present and Future! Check out links to the items we discussed in this episode: https://www.ifebp.org/Resources/Pages/dobbs-decision.aspx https://blog.ifebp.org/inflation-reduction-act-6-health-care-provisions-plan-sponsors-should-know-about/ https://blog.ifebp.org/five-critical-components...

Dec 22, 202229 min

Salary and Total Rewards Outlook for 2023

The workplace landscape is still evolving in the wake of the pandemic. In this episode we dive into how organizations are reacting to workplace changes and reflecting them in their annual salary increases and total rewards packages. Check out the survey featured in this episode here: https://www.ifebp.org/salaryTR Read the blog post we based this episode on here: https://blog.ifebp.org/68-of-employers-are-planning-salary-increases-for-2023/ And check out all of the International Foundation's gre...

Dec 06, 20227 min

Unlimited Vacation - One Employer's Experience

If your organization is thinking about switching from a traditional vacation plan to unlimited vacation there are a lot of things to consider. In this episode we chat with Kristine Karnath of Moog on how and why her company made the switch and potential pitfalls to avoid. For more information, watch to the International Foundation webcast Kristine was featured in here: https://www.ifebp.org/education/webcasts/Pages/webcast-ind.aspx?wcode=22T09&wname=unlimited-paid-time-off-will-it-work-for-y...

Oct 26, 202227 min

Riding the Investments Roller Coaster

The recent ups and downs of the stock market and the economy can be dizzying. In this episode, we talk to an investments guru on what plan sponsors can do to ensure their pension plans are in a good funding position and how employers can communicate to their retirement plan participants during this tumultuous economic time.

Aug 30, 202230 min

Post-Dobbs Employer Actions: Survey Results

Over one in four employers is exploring the expansion of covered abortion services, according to a new report from the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans. In this bonus epsiode we delve into the Post-Dobbs Employer Coverage: July 2022 Pulse Survey, which revealed current abortion coverage offerings and future considerations. For more info check out www.ifebp.org/dobbsimpact. Read this blog post and other great posts at blog.ifebp.org Join us at the International Foundation's Annu...

Jul 29, 20224 min

Dads Balancing Kids and Career

When we talk about the relationship between work and family, many think about the struggles of working mothers. But, fathers face many of the same issues when trying to strike a balance between family and career. In this episode we talk to Dr. Brad Harrington of the Boston College Center for Work and Family on his recent research in the area and how employers can help dads. As mentioned in this episode, you can learn more about Dr. Harrington's research at www.bc.edu/cwf

Jul 01, 202223 min

The Future of Remote and Hybrid Work

In this episode we chat with Alex Willis, CEO of LeadershipSurge about returning to the office and how remote and hybrid work arrangements will shape the future of our office teams and collaboration.

May 12, 202221 min

Benefits Bonus: Benefits Go Intergalactic

In a galaxy far, far away, heroes and villains still need their employee benefits, and benefits professionals still need to know how to handle coordination of benefits (and lots of tricky claims scenarios). In this bonus episode, we delve into how they handle those—between lightsaber battles. You can read this Word on Benefits blog post and many others at https://blog.ifebp.org/

May 02, 20229 min

Benefits Bonus: Supporting Women's Retirement Security

Statistically women save less than men for retirement for a number of reasons. We discuss how employers can help narrow that gap in this episode. Read Cara's blog and other great Word on Benefits Blog posts here: https://blog.ifebp.org/ Find great retirement news and education resources here: https://www.ifebp.org/retirement-pensions/Pages/default.aspx And here: https://www.ifebp.org/microsite/Pages/default.aspx

Mar 22, 20228 min

Benefits Bonus: The Psychology of Benefits Fraud

Have you ever told a white lie? Would you cheat on your taxes? What if you knew you wouldn’t get caught? In this bonus episode we dive into why people commit benefits fraud. Read Alyssa's and many other great blog posts here: https://blog.ifebp.org

Mar 10, 20225 min

Trends in Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship programs have been around for a long time, but they're always evolving. In this episode we take a deeper dive into new trends in apprenticeship and what industries outside of the trades can learn from these programs. Be sure to check out the links mentioned in this episode: Top Trends in Apprenticeship 2022 Survey https://ifebp.org/store/Pages/apprenticeship-survey.aspx International Foundation's Apprenticeship Resources page: https://ifebp.org/apprenticeshipresources Internationa...

Feb 15, 202250 min

Benefits Bonus: What to Know About Stop-Loss Insurance

Stop-loss insurance is a great way for self-funded health plans to avoid catastrophic costs. But, you need to know what's important for your organization in a policy. Rose Plewa discusses the top 5 considerations in purchasing a plan. You can read her original blog post here: https://blog.ifebp.org/index.php/five-considerations-when-purchasing-stop-loss-insurance Take a deeper dive into self-funded group health plans by completing the International Foundation's Certificate in Self-Funding Group ...

Jan 20, 20228 min

2021 Benefits Year in Review

It's our 50th episode! After a little celebration we take a look back at some of the biggest developments in the benefits industry from the past year. Plus we let you know what to keep on your radar for 2022. And don't forget to check out the items mentioned in this show. Blog posts on the ACA Supreme Court case, California versus Texas: https://blog.ifebp.org/index.php/supreme-court-affordable-care-act https://blog.ifebp.org/index.php/california-v-texas-explainer EBSA cyber security best practi...

Dec 17, 202144 min

What's New with Mental Health Parity

Those of us in the benefits world have been talking about mental health parity for over 20 years at this point, but it's not all old news. We chat with Stephanie Patrick on what's new and what's ahead for mental health parity and how it affects your plans.

Nov 22, 202130 min

Benefits Bonus: Should You Consider Cyberinsurance?

Do you have the right level of protection against cyberattacks? Does your current insurance even cover them? What about cyberinsurance? International Foundation Director of Educational Outreach presents her blog post on why your organization may want to consider cyberinsurance. Read this and other great blog posts at blog.ifebp.org

Oct 14, 20215 min

Caregiving and the Workplace

This month we are joined by Dr. Tracy Brower to discuss how caregiving has changed, what it means for employees, and how employers can support those in caregiving roles. Want to hear more from Tracy? Check out her books: https://tracybrower.com/bring-work-to-life/ And don’t forget to attend the International Foundation’s 67th Annual Employee Benefits conference in Denver, Colorado or join virtually. Learn more here: www.ifebp.org/usannual

Sep 17, 202123 min

ADA: What Employers Need to Know

What do long COVID, DEI, neurodiversity, mental health and wellness programs have in common? They are all points of consideration when employing individuals with disabilities. In this episode, we talk with Kellee Grimes, Manager of Health Services at Mutual of Omaha, about how to maintain compliance with ADA and other laws and regulations. The International Foundation does tons of research on the employee benefits industry each year. As a member, you can access research and survey reports like t...

Aug 16, 202123 min

Race, Gender and Social Impacts on Retirement

Host Justin and special guest Craig Copeland from EBRI dive into how factors like race, gender and socioeconomic status can impact a person's ability to save for retirement. Check out the work from our friends at the Employee Benefit Research Institute at www.ebri.org

Jun 28, 202115 min

This Is Jeop-ARPA-dy

Join your Talking Benefits hosts in a round of Jeop-ARPA-dy! They review the six American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) provisions and what employers and plan sponsors need to know, Jeopardy-style.

May 26, 202135 min

Sparking Joy to Build Resilience

Resilience is shaped by a person’s past experiences, and their social support network, among other things—It can be a skill that we learn, practice and build on. This episode outlines seven tips to help build resilience, examples of things that spark joy (which helps build resilience), and how employers can help build resilience within their organization.

Apr 30, 202127 min

Financial Well-Being of Underrepresented Women

This episode explores the impact of financial well-being among Black and Hispanic women and offers solutions to what employers and plan sponsors can do to provide more effective financial education for underrepresented women.

Mar 19, 202126 min

Mental Health for Essential Workers: Best Practices From an LA Fire Captain

Hear how the “roller coaster ride” of this pandemic has changed the lives of Ruben Navarro, fire captain II for the LA Fire Department, and his team. He shares tips and best practices on handling the pressures of essential work/front line work while maintaining mental well-being.

Mar 04, 202124 min

COVID-19... Where Do We Go From Here?

To require or not to require vaccinations? That is the question on every employer's mind. In this episode we're diving into how COVID-19 has and is still shaping the work world. Check out the International Foundation survey we reference in the episode: https://www.ifebp.org/store/Pages/covid-19-update-survey.aspx Read the International Foundation blog post on remote work policies: https://blog.ifebp.org/index.php/remote-work-policy

Jan 28, 202125 min

2020 Year In Review

2020 is almost over (whew!), so we’re taking a look back at the biggest benefits news headlines of the year. Plus we’ll let you know what to watch for in 2021. Check out the 2020 Employee Benefits Survey we reference throughout the episode at the link below. International Foundation members get a discount! https://www.ifebp.org/store/employee-benefits-survey/Pages/default.aspx

Dec 15, 202028 min

Benefit Beatz

Benefits are music to our ears, so in this episode we're pointing out the (maybe not-so-obvious) ties to employee benefits in our favorite songs. Plus the producers take the mic with a surprise for the hosts. Pop in your ear buds, push play and sing along! Check out the upcoming 2020 Employee Benefit Survey here: https://www.ifebp.org/research And the blog post we reference here: https://blog.ifebp.org/index.php/when-disaster-strikes-employee-relief-options

Oct 14, 202033 min

Benefits Bonus: Resilience - Readiness to Face Adversity

Talking Benefits host Julie Stich reads her recent blog post on worker resilience and how employers can help. Enroll in the International Foundation's mental health virtual conference at https://www.ifebp.org/mentalhealthandcovid Find more resources on mental health at https://www.ifebp.org/mentalhealthresources Read this and other great blog posts at www.ifebp.org/blog

Sep 14, 20208 min

Virtual Open Enrollment

It's that time of year again (cue the ominous music)... but this year's open enrollment experience may be a lot different for some organizations. We talk about best practices and tips from our members on taking open enrollment to the digital world. Read the research report we refer to in this episode: www.ifebp.org/research Check out the Case Studies in Annual Open Enrollment virtual conference and all other IFEBP virtual conferences: www.ifebp.org/virtualconferences Become an International Foun...

Sep 08, 202020 min
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