Korn Ferry-WorldatWork Study: Companies Increasingly Offering more Progressive Health Benefits
From telemedicine and stress reduction to weight management and health advocacy programs, today's employers are providing a dramatic increase of progressive health plans, tailor-made to the always working workforce, according to a recent analysis conducted by WorldatWork with underwriting support from Korn Ferry.
"The Inventory of Total Rewards Programs and Practices" study reveals that while there haven't been substantive changes in traditional benefits, companies are increasingly offering more progressive health benefits to meet the needs of an evolving, always-on workforce.
"Companies are trying to keep up the pace and offer health plans suited for the hyper-connected, lightning-quick pace of today's global workforce," said Korn Ferry Senior Principal Robert Swatland. "Employees are accustomed to having 24/7 access to information. Benefits that offer anytime, anywhere access to meet a wide range of health and wellness issues are becoming increasingly popular."
"With a tight labor market and fierce competition for qualified talent, organizations are becoming more creative in offering unique health and wellness benefits to help them enhance talent attraction and retention efforts," said Alison Avalos, Director of Research and Certification for WorldatWork.
According to a media release, topping the list of programs that saw a significant increase in prevalence year-over-year (10 percent or more increase) were:
-Telemedicine services: The percentage of companies offering these services increased from 49 percent to 73 percent. Access to a 24-hour nurse line also increased in prevalence from 69 percent to 79 percent year over year.
-Stress-reduction programs increased from 56 percent to 65 percent.
-Weight management program prevalence was up from 58 percent to 70 percent and tobacco/smoking cessation support increased from 73 percent to 84 percent year over year.
-Behavioral health plans and Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): The prevalence of behavioral health plans increased from 78 percent to 91 percent. The availability of EAPs also increased from 80 percent to 96 percent over the year.
-Health advocacy programs: The use of a specialist service that provides employees and their families with access to an advocate to help navigate and facilitate medical and administrative issues in the health-care system increased from 48 percent to 60 percent.
-Outcomes-based wellness programs: While still not offered by a majority of employers, there was an increase (from 32 percent to 43 percent) in the prevalence of programs requiring the achievement of measurable goals, such as attaining a certain body mass index, in order to receive some kind of incentive. The survey also noted an increase in the prevalence of wellness gamification (from 37 percent to 45 percent) such as contests, lotteries, points, quizzes etc., to motivate a change to more healthy behavior.
-Information to promote wellness: Employers providing seminars, webinars and/or literature to promote wellness and well-being increased from 76 percent to 87 percent.
Other notable increases included health coaching (from 63 percent to 72 percent), on-site and virtual health fairs (from 55 percent to 64 percent), nutrition counseling (from 57 percent to 66 percent), biometric/wellness screenings (from 69 percent to 77 percent), and lactation support services (65 percent to 71 percent).
((Comments on this story may be sent to newsdesk@closeupmedia.com))
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Alexandra Scarborough
Gilt and Sarah Jessica Parker Unveil SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker Bridal Collection for SpringSarah Jessica Parker, in partnership with Gilt, kicked off the exclusive launch of SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker Bridal, Gilt’s first foray into bridal ready-to-wear that would have Carrie Bradshaw swooning.
The collection includes dresses, skirts, bodysuits and other pieces, ranging in price from $295 to $2,395 and from sizes 0 to 14.
"Collaborating with Gilt on my first bridal ready-to-wear collection was an opportunity I couldn't pass up," said Sarah Jessica Parker. "The team there is brilliant and allowed me to be imaginative and take risks as I was designing for the non-traditional bride. It has been quite fun to play around with colors, fabrics and details to create unique pieces for all kinds of brides." The collection, comprised of ten styles, is inspired by Parker's vision of a modern, non-traditional bride, and is designed to dress a woman for a variety of wedding milestone moments; from her bridal shower through her wedding reception. Styles offered are a unique mix of classic dresses and gowns, modern bodysuits, full skirts, and a jumpsuit. The color palette includes traditional bridal white, sleek black, plus pops of blush, poppy, light gray and blue.
Designed in collaboration with Gilt, the collection was produced in New York City utilizing fabrics like cashmere and stretch crepe sourced from Spain, Italy and France.
The pieces all feature carefully curated details like elegant bows, sophisticated cutouts, feathers, intricate embroidery and beautiful hand-stitched beading.
The actress and style icon is no stranger to chic bridal wear. Carrie Badshaw, famously played by Parker, took part in an elaborate bridal photo shoot in Sex and the City: The Movie. The shoot featured gowns from designers like Christian Lacroix and Lanvin. Parker famously wore a black wedding gown for her own wedding to Matthew Broderick in 1997.
"Not only is Sarah Jessica Parker's style known around the world, her point of view is one-of-a-kind," says Tom Ott, Chief Merchant of Gilt. "Sarah Jessica brings her impeccable taste and fashion sensibility to life in this collection. We think our customers will be delighted with the offering which is stylish and well-priced in the bridal category."
As part of the bridal launch, Gilt will also offer 15 exclusive styles from the SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker footwear line, each of which are complementary to the bridal collection.
To correspond with the bridal collection launch, Gilt City will present offers from some of Sarah Jessica Parker's favorite places in New York City.
The offers were each chosen as a way to help brides plan for and celebrate the big day with highlights including, Leather Spa, Lars Nord Studio Tailoring, Mah-Ze-Dahr Bakery, among others.
More Information:
http://www.Gilt.com/SJP -
Alexandra Scarborough
Tea Forté Introduces ‘Matcha’ CollectionConvenience meets tradition in Tea Forté’s new Ceremonial Matcha Bowl Set and the Matcha Single Steeps.
The company said its spring harvested, shade grown, stone ground, organic matcha tea is best served in a centuries-old Japanese tea ceremony called chanoyu: a preparation technique known for its centering meditative qualities.
"The launch of Tea Forté's Matcha collection represents our continued commitment to wellness and cultivating all the potential mental and physical health benefits of tea," says Tea Forté CEO Michael Gebrael. "In addition to our high quality Pure Matcha, we've also blended four distinct flavored Matcha varieties. Prepackaged in pouches measured out for a single serving, our Single Steeps Matcha is ideal for the office, travel, or to keep with you for a boost anytime."
Tea Forté noted its handcrafted ceremonial tea bowl, handmade bamboo whisk and measuring ladle “encourages serene enjoyment of our premium Kosher, gluten-free and vegan matcha blends.” These include: Pure Matcha, Chocolate Matcha, Coconut Matcha, Ginger Matcha, and Chai Matcha.
According to a release, in addition to its distinctive taste, matcha is prized for its health benefits. Steeped green tea contains only the antioxidants that can be extracted in water, while with matcha, the whole leaf is consumed.
Available now in select stores and online at teaforte.com.
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Expedia.com has released a year-end look at U.S. traveler behavior and trends for 2017, analyzing data to identify the most in-demand destinations, hotels, activities and more.
Among other insights, the roundup revealed:
- Labor Day was the busiest weekend for car rental
- Disney Theme Parks topped the list of things to do
- The average hotel stay was two nights
- Top destinations based on 2017 air travel included major global cities like New York, London and Bangkok
- Popular tourist destinations included Orlando, Cancun and Las Vegas