Read a white paper

Our series of white papers helps keep producers and employers aware of topics affecting the benefits market today. Feel free to browse the entire library and download the topics that interest you most.

» EAPs: To bundle or not to bundle (pdf, 2-2012)
Trends in recent years point to a number of group health, life and disability carriers bundling employee assistance programs into their core products. With this trend comes the need for employers to discern whether the bundled option is a good value or if it compromises the value of the EAP to their organization.

» Building a culture of health: The new paradigm (pdf, 6-2011)
Creating a culture of health today may borrow from the old in the form of basics, strive for the new in social support – or combine the best of both worlds. Sharing their successes, benefits advisors, employers and employees can connect the dots and achieve win-win solutions to enhance everyone's future.

» Sending employees abroad: Employers take steps to mitigate risk (pdf, 7-2010)
A global economy presents exciting opportunities for multinational companies to introduce their products and services to new markets or to expand in existing ones. Opening that door also exposes the company and its staffers to security and other risks that result from sending employees and their families to work in unfamiliar surroundings. Learn more about the resources available to ensure that globally mobile employees have a safety net in the case of all types of emergencies.

» Financial wellness: Tuning in to the total health model (pdf, 8-2010)
Recent economic turmoil has left many Americans feeling vulnerable. These volatile times have also exposed a frightening reality: many people are completely unprepared to deal with personal financial crisis. Learn how financial wellness programs and tools can benefit both employers and their employees.

» Exceptional customer service: Building customer loyalty, not just customer satisfaction (pdf, 5-2010)
The days of doing just enough to satisfy a client and still retain them are over (did they ever really exist?). In today’s tough economic climate, a good defense alone will only get you so far. By becoming safer in their approach to service, it appears benefit brokers may also be at risk of becoming less competitive. Find out how you can build a solid service strategy to keep business on the books.

» Prevention: The new health care norm (pdf, 2-2010)
Organizations that recognize employee wellness is a critical factor to short and long-term success are embracing health promotion strategies focused on primary prevention and risk avoidance. Learn more about the steps employers can take to positively impact their business bottom line.

» Join the conversation: How Social Media are shaping your business today (pdf, 9-2009)
Everyone’s talking about the power of social media – are you part of the conversation? With 64 percent of today’s American internet users engaged in social media of some kind, it’s hard to question the power of this new wave of communication. Don’t let the digital dialogue pass you by - learn the basics and how social media’s endless connections can increase your business.

» Buying Power: How consortiums are changing the benefits landscape (pdf, 3-2009)
The benefits landscape is constantly changing. To keep pace, employers are exploring new approaches to maximize their benefit dollars. One solution they have found is strategic purchasing groups. While not a new concept, the rise of purchasing groups pose new challenges and demands for both producers and benefit providers.

» The New Face of the American Workforce (pdf, 12-2008)
Gone are the days of the one-size-fits-all approach to group benefits. Understanding employees' preferences for work-life balance, workplace technology and views regarding loyalty and authority, can help producers and employers recognize and appreciate generational differences — and adapt benefits packages to effectively meet varying needs.

» Pricing for the Long Run: How Longevity is Changing Group Life Insurance Pricing (pdf, 8-2008) This white paper explores how longevity, coupled with the latest mortality tables published by the Society of Actuaries, has the potential to affect the pricing of group life insurance plans.

» The New Buzz in Health Care Cost Containment: Wellness Programs (pdf, 6-2008)
More employers are using wellness programs as a defensive tool to contain health care costs. Producers and carriers are establishing a foothold in the new landscape with creative strategies.

» Welcome to a New World: A Fresh Look at the Changing Benefits Marketplace (pdf, 2-2008) This 30,000-foot view of the benefits marketplace makes producers aware of the changes so they can help their clients adapt to them.

» Changing Providers: Seeing Opportunities, Not Obstacles (pdf, 11-2007)
This white paper looks at the criteria progressive companies use to evaluate new carriers; capabilities such as seamless implementation, streamlined processes, productivity formulas and the ability to leverage technology. It also covers the steps best-of-breed carriers take to make the transition from a previous provider easier for the client.

» Best of Breed Products and Services: Customizing the Best Benefits Packages (pdf, 2-2009)  
Employers are being forced to improve the bottom line, while at the same time helping employees achieve greater financial security. To get the most value out of every dollar they want to buy "best of breed" — benefits providers who are expert in a particular product or service and offer "best of the best" service. 

» Building Loyalty Through Superior Care: Raising Standards in an Age of Self-service (pdf, 2-2007)
Progressive employers and savvy benefits consumers are expecting more from their providers. But too often they are getting less. This white paper reveals the key drivers of customer satisfaction — trust, problem resolution and responsiveness – and how you can distinguish your practice through superior service.

» The Art & Science of Pricing Group Life Insurance (pdf, 10-2006)
This installment lays out the components of pricing group life insurance plans and describes the various funding options available to clients. This white paper also covers current trends affecting pricing and the "get-what-you-pay-for" caveat as it applies to service in the group life arena.

» Relying on Strong Values to Build Market Share (pdf, 10-2006)
The business world has come under heightened regulatory scrutiny. The insurance industry, in particular, has faced an increasingly demanding environment. This white paper identifies the practices of companies and practitioners who are poised to make an impact in the new employer benefits landscape by refocusing on their core values.

» How the Benefits Landscape is Being Reshaped by Technology (pdf, 10-2006)
Employee expectations for accessing services online are increasing. At the same time, benefits managers are pushing to get more out of their benefits technology and automation. This white paper discusses how technology can enhance a benefits plan and help HR staffs operate at optimal efficiency.

» A Benefit Made For the Times: Presenting the Case for Cash Value Life Insurance (pdf, 10-2006)
As plan participants age and retirement looms, better financial planning has become imperative. Yet, many employees still live pay check to pay check and remain reliant on employers to provide for their future security. Within this environment, cash value products fill a growing void.

» The Shift to New Strategies (pdf, 10-2006)
What are progressive companies doing to stave off increasing health care costs and meet increasing employee demand for a more balanced mix of benefits? This white paper offers clues for helping brokers better identify and target progressive companies as potential clients.

» The Rising Demand for Voluntary Benefits (pdf, 10-2006)
This white paper points to the current issues and problems facing the influential market segment fueling the rise in demand for voluntary group benefits and describes the reasons group life insurance products are uniquely poised to address their needs.

» A New Day for Group Life Insurance (pdf, 9-2006)
This white paper reveals the overlooked potential of the group life insurance market. It defines the new prospects for group life insurance products – their needs and their differences from traditional group life participants. 

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