Benefits Broker

o 40 percent of employers provide gyms/fitness center discounts. o 38 percent of employers provide gifts and prizes. o 27 percent of employers offer a reduction in employee contributions to medical plans. o 17 percent of empl

Wellness programs are increasing among large employers, according to MetLife. The company's Sixth Annual Employee Benefits Trends Study found 57 percent of large employers offer a wellness program, up from 49 percent in 2006. Small employers still

Most Americans with health insurance -- roughly 55 percent -- reported an increase over the past year, according to the Employee Benefit Research Institute. And while the real news there is probably why that number is so low despite all

What does wellness look like? Is it a busy executive trying to lower his or her cholesterol and shed a few pounds? A working mom joining a gym to keep up with her active lifestyle? In our industry, wellness used to be viewed as a luxury item

Diane Albano has been appointed senior vice president of worldwide sales for Workscape Inc. She will be responsible for driving the company's comprehensive offerings, including its outsourced benefits administration and talent management solutions.

Kathy Giddings has been appointed vice president, business sales for Assurity Life Insurance Company. She will oversee nationwide operations for Assurity's employer-sponsored sales, including worksite, group and Assurity Advisors(R)

New research from Bensinger, DuPont & Associates shows employee assistance programs increase productivity. Eighty-three percent of survey respondents said their productivity improved after utilizing an EAP. "The purpose of an EAP is to

64 percent of human resources buyers turn to the Internet first when searching for products and services. Nearly 90 percent of respondents said they use Google to perform their search. Nearly half participate in an HR-related webcast