Benefits Strategy

Why WageWorks May not Work for You

The number one rule of employee benefits administration is that no program should be one-size fits all. What is a one-size fits all solution? The best example is any basic reimbursement program. Gym reimbursement programs typically require employees to submit receipts for gym memberships, and then reimburse them through their wages. But this option doesn’t Read more…

Benefits Strategy

The PHIT Act: A Bill that Could Improve Employee Health

One tenant of healthcare wisdom is that healthcare should focus on preventative care, versus treating people for illness later. Another bill championing this approach is the PHIT Act, or the Personal Health Investment Today Act. The PHIT act is supported by both Democrats and Republicans, and would create a pre-tax benefit account for people. This account Read more…

Workplace Wellness

How to Run Your First Company Fitness Challenge

Employers are frequently turning to wellness programs to decrease healthcare costs, in particular, fitness challenges. Fitness challenges encourage employees to track their physical activity and get to know their co-workers. However, to run these program employers sometimes subsidize or provide fitness trackers. This approach, however, typically results in low engagement and a low return on Read more…

Benefits Strategy

Why Perks Don’t Create Company Culture

Company culture is is a phrase that is often tossed around, but rarely defined. Companies want their workplaces to have it, but don’t know what kind of culture to create, let alone how to create it. Many companies will turn to perks, or employee benefits (part of a broader employee benefit program), as a way Read more…

Technology

A Workplace Wellness Solution for Smokers

As a company you may want to institute an workplace wellness program (and promote wellness in the workplace), but believe that it won’t reach smokers: smoking is a common deterrent to exercise. Smokers may not only have more difficulty exercising, but also may feel less motivated to exercise since they find it to be more Read more…