The group insurance industry isn’t immune to the current economy. However, insurers are expecting to bring change and innovation to the marketplace as a result of this downturn. Downsizing, salary freezes and cutbacks have become the way of the times, and insurers, like employers, have to do more with less. “If you have a case […]
Although a new year typically brings an increase in health and dental claims, some insurers are seeing an abnormal spike in paramedical services. They question whether job losses and fears of cutbacks and future layoffs are driving this trend. “There is the normal increased claim activity that we are seeing, but the one area that […]
Containing costs and increasing flexibility within group benefits and retirement savings programs are issues that small businesses face year after year. And, in light of the recession, hey may need to make some big decisions. Consultants and providers have warned that reducing health benefits can have a negative impact on workforce morale and productivity. But […]
Employers will be tightening their budgets in 2009. Will dental plans feel the pressure? With approximately 2,300 employees, Leon’s Furniture Ltd. has an estimated 1,400 members enrolled in its dental plan. The plan covers only services that are considered basic (cleanings, fluoride, fillings, extractions, X-rays, et cetera), but it’s nothing to sneeze at. Leon’s dental […]
Technology is transforming the administration of group benefits plans—and it’s doing more than just accelerating procedures. It’s Bill’s first day of work. He meets his new colleagues and is then directed to the HR manager’s office to fill out some routine paperwork. When he arrives at her cluttered office, she hands him forms to sign—including […]
While some have described 2008 as a roller coaster ride, Mercer compares it to a big jump off a steep cliff. In light of that, it’s not surprising that Mercer’s 2009 Fearless Forecast predicts a “soft year for the economy.” However, while expectations for 2009 are low, they are not dismal and, some positive investment […]
Capital accumulation plan providers have witnessed some serious storms this year. Now, they are focused on helping members stay afloat by educating them in preparation for the next wave of change. With the tsunami that has rocked the financial markets, those involved in capital accumulation plans (CAPs) have been left feeling weak in the knees. […]
The inability to concentrate, an unusual increase in errors, frequent tardiness, increased sick days and lack of enthusiasm—these are all signs of depression. In order to have a healthy workplace, managers and employers need to be aware of these signs and know what to do when their employees exhibit these behaviours. “Part of raising awareness […]
The ballroom at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto was packed on Wednesday morning as representatives from the Ontario Expert Commission on Pensions (OECP), Watson Wyatt and Blakes teamed up for a breakfast seminar to discuss the findings of the long-awaited and anticipated report. The chairman, Harry Arthurs, opened the morning presentation by explaining that […]
While non-U.S. institutional investors may have a larger percentage of their portfolio allocated to foreign assets than their American counterparts, they actually have a stronger domestic bias relative to the size of their home markets. But, as Michael Cantara with MFS Investment Management pointed out at the DC Investment Forum, emerging markets are growing and […]