Editor's Note

The arrival of August is that time of the year again where all you want to think of is the sun, sand and the surf. The right time for a perfect vacation! Unfortunately, there’s a dangerous trend rising among both employees and employers to skip taking any breaks from work in order to deal with the growing demands of the workplace. For many professionals, the mere idea of letting go off the vacation benefits seems like the “the right thing to do” in order to show team spirit and understanding for the growing pressures/demands.

Vacation Benefits Package: Millions of Americans are under-utilizing vacation time

Millions of Americans are under-utilizing vacation employee benefits package; but, since the year 2000, the number of vacation days that workers use has been steadily declining. From the 1970’s through the end of the century, workers used an about 20 vacation days per year. These days, it is more like 16. While having dedicated employees willing to work a lot is every company’s dream, leaving all that vacation time on the table is actually detrimental to productivity.

Employee Benefits and Wellness Excellence July 2016 Advertisers

Student Loan Debts: Are they stressing out employees?

Whether you are a benefits expert keeping up with industry trends, a recruiter on the hunt for talent, an executive growing your company, or anyone in between, by now you have heard about the hottest emerging trend in employee benefits: Student loan assistance.

Successful Worksite/Voluntary Benefits Program: Key strategies

One of the best ways an employer can demonstrate its concern for its employees’ well-being is by guiding them on important financial protections. While a company clearly cannot always be the provider of insurance, it can host programs that educate employees about vital insurance products that can help them achieve financial security and peace of mind. In doing so, employers also benefit from improved employee satisfaction, productivity and retention.

Breaking Down The Stigma: Evidence-based approach to weight management

Many Canadian employees, to some degree, struggle with their weight. According to self-reported data collected by the Canadian Community Health Survey, 62 per cent of Canadian adults are overweight or living with obesity.1 Increased weight can cause or exacerbate other serious health conditions including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, depression, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, cancer, back pain, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.2

Protecting Employees' Eyes: Majority in the dark about harmful blue light

While blue light has gained significant media and industry attention within the past five years due to increased use of digital devices, employees remain misinformed about the common sources and protective eyewear availability. Only 4 percent of employees surveyed in Transitions Optical, Inc.’s 2016 Employee Perceptions of Vision Benefits survey1 conducted by Wakefield Research correctly identified all common sources of blue light – digital devices and screens, fluorescent lights, incandescent light bulbs and the sun. Further, less than one in five (17 percent) correctly responded that the sun is a source of blue light.

Protecting Employees' Eyes: Majority in the dark about harmful blue light

While blue light has gained significant media and industry attention within the past five years due to increased use of digital devices, employees remain misinformed about the common sources and protective eyewear availability. Only 4 percent of employees surveyed in Transitions Optical, Inc.’s 2016 Employee Perceptions of Vision Benefits survey1 conducted by Wakefield Research correctly identified all common sources of blue light – digital devices and screens, fluorescent lights, incandescent light bulbs and the sun. Further, less than one in five (17 percent) correctly responded that the sun is a source of blue light.

2017 Open Enrollment: How can you help prepare your employees?

With few months to go for the open enrollment period for 2017, it’s high time that you and your employees start preparing for the process. Whether your employees are thinking of renewing their existing plan or considering selecting a new one, early preparations will help them in tracking down their current scenario, and where they are heading towards at least when it comes to their healthcare needs. And with little efforts and wise approach, you can make sure that they select the most appropriate coverage plans that will befit their healthcare needs.

High-Deductible Health Plans And HSAs: Are they right for your organization?

As an HR professional, making the right decision about the best health insurance plan for your company requires an understanding of not only the constantly evolving Affordable Care Act (ACA), but also a clear vision of what options would make the best fit for your particular organization.