Workscape Institute

Back on Top: The Resurgence of Compensation as a Chief Retention Driver

admin — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 14:01:49 +0000

It’s widely believed that significant economic shifts can alter the perceptions and behaviors of those populations impacted by them. Theories about increased savings rates and altered consumer behavior as a result of the “Great Recession” abound. In the HR world, leaders are scrambling gain clarity as to whether the profound effects of this recent downturn have shifted the priorities of their employees. Findings from Towers Watson’s 2010 Global Workforce Study, discussed at the 2010 WorldatWork Total Rewards Conference (membership required), would suggest that the short answer to that question is a clear “Yes.”

Having the Right Call Center Matters…Right?

admin — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 15:42:22 +0000

What I often hear from HR leaders is they want to ensure that the needs of their employees are being met, particularly when it comes to matters such as their benefits. This goal is an admirable one, and a distillation of several specific objectives supporting client satisfaction, although these might differ slightly across organizations. While this list is by no means exhaustive, here are a few of the common needs that we have encountered, and some of the approaches we have found successful in delivering on those needs. Here are three things that I’ve found important to companies.

Health Care Reform Makes Certain Cafeteria Plans Less Appetizing (Part 2)

admin — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 16:31:16 +0000

The Rise of the Consumer Directed Health Plans

The concept of the consumer directed health plan; lower monthly premiums paired with a high deductible, can seem daunting to those who believe they may actually need to use their insurance. Historically these plans only appealed to those who were in good health (typically younger workers) or who were lured by the significantly lower premium as “emergency insurance.” The changes enacted through reform legislation are poised to dramatically shift that perception.

Health Care Reform Makes Certain Cafeteria Plans Less Appetizing

admin — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 14:07:54 +0000

For those of us using a health saving or flexible spending account to offset out of pocket medical costs, the passage of the new health care reform law might make you think twice about which plans to choose from your companies menu of options during upcoming annual enrollments.

Employers are Optimistic about a Recovery, but Disagree on When - New Survey Data

admin — Thu, 27 May 2010 14:27:10 +0000

In a recent study about Total Rewards management and the “soon coming” economic upswing, it’s clear that people think that the economy will improve, but exactly when is still up for debate. The economy has aspects of a self-fulfilling prophecy, as seen by examples such as the consumer confidence index, so these perceptions can powerfully affect its future direction.

To Drop or Not to Drop, That is the Question

admin — Tue, 18 May 2010 17:13:14 +0000

It all started so simply: Parents, don’t worry about little Johnny or Jenny not finding a job right away when he/she graduates from school, you can keep them covered on your insurance through their 26th birthday. But from the moment the ink from the President’s pen swept across the paper this simple, innocent, well-intentioned solution has been keeping benefits managers, HR departments, and insurance companies up at night trying to figure out how it will all work.

Total Rewards aren’t just a Piece of Paper

admin — Wed, 12 May 2010 14:45:31 +0000

There has been much written about Total Rewards as a means to show employees that companies invest more in them than just what they see in their paychecks. At many organizations, employees receive a number of different types of rewards such as health, dental, and life insurance, 401K matches, stock awards and other incentives, etc. And, I agree that it’s more impactful to present each employee with a piece of paper that lists all of these rewards and neatly depicts the total value to show how much the company appreciates them.

However, delivering such a statement is only the scratching the surface of a Total Rewards approach to engagement and retention.

Hallmarks of Spring: Flowers, Golf, and Performance Conversations!

admin — Mon, 10 May 2010 20:39:18 +0000

Employees, think you are ready for a promotion next year? Managers, do you have an employee that you think needs a new challenge?

I love this time of year. The flowers start blooming, the golf courses start greening up and it provides a time to stop, smell the flowers and think about the winter that has just passed.