Time and tools are the key factors in an effective benefits education program, according to research from Unum, a benefits services provider for the U.S. and the U.K. The firm’s study of more than 1,700 employed adults points to a “three-plus-three communication strategy,” in which members have at least three weeks to review at least […]
In a capital accumulation plan (CAP), there will be two types of members: those who are engaged and understand enough basic investment concepts to do it themselves; and those who are unengaged and would rather not learn how to invest and make investment decisions. Compounding problems for the unengaged member is a tendency for engaged […]
CIBC Mellon has announced the Canadian release of its Workbench Mobile app for the iPad. The new app enables the firm’s institutional clients to authorize instructions and view reports and account information on the go. Available features include: Recent reports—view Workbench reports run over the past 10 days in PDF format. Dashboard—view account valuation changes and […]
While plan sponsors across the country are retreating from DB arrangements that are costly to the bottom line in good times—and even more so in economic downturns such as those we’ve faced over the past decade—more and more are looking to DC as an alternative retirement savings option for their employees. According to the 2011 […]
What’s the best way to communicate with your DC plan members? It’s a question many plan sponsors struggle with as they try to educate and engage their members. Unfortunately, there’s no quick and easy answer. Communication methods are always changing, and sponsors are increasingly required to implement a variety of techniques. “I think the methods […]
Watch this video Too often, benefits plan administration and costs take up a plan sponsor’s focus—leaving communication efforts to suffer, says Sarah Beech, region director, Central Canada, with Aon Hewitt. In this BenefitsCanadaTV interview, Beech discusses ways employers can make their benefits plans more engaging, by bringing plans “to a more personal level as opposed […]
If you’re looking to hire and retain generation Y workers, you might want to reconsider your benefits and communication plans. As more gen Ys (typically, those born after 1979) enter the workforce—and more baby boomers leave—employers will need to understand gen Y’s preferences and communication styles, especially with respect to workplace benefits. “The ability to […]
Sun Life Financial has launched a free mobile application for the iPhone and BlackBerry, called “my Sun Life.” The new app provides existing group benefits and group retirement and savings plan members the ability to submit benefit claims, check plan balances and recent contributions and use interactive financial planning tools. For group benefits plan members, […]
Watch this video If you want your pension communication plan to be successful, you need to target your message, says Marc Poupart, director of pension and retirement programs with Hudson’s Bay Company. To effectively reach members, you need to use targeted marketing techniques that speak directly to them, focusing on what’s important to them as individuals. “It’s one thing […]
As most communications professionals will tell you, developing an employee communications strategy without first getting employee input is a risky business. After all, how else will you know what your starting points are, which information employees most need or want, whether your messaging aligns with the day-to-day experiences of members or whom employees perceive as […]