Healthy living programmes are the key to lower employee benefit costs, says Benefit Sources & Solutions

A US human resources and management consultancy has presented the results of its latest survey into employee benefit design and cost.

Scott Rappoport, president of Benefit Sources & Solutions in Bound Brook, presented the results of the survey.

‘Attracting and retaining quality employees are among the top human capital challenges facing organizations today,’ observed Rappoport.

“Attracting and retaining quality employees are among the top human capital challenges facing organizations today.

Scott Rappoport, president of Benefit Sources & Solutions in Bound Brook

‘Employers know that the benefits they provide must protect their most valuable asset -- their employees. Yet, they are challenged by a host of issues relating to employee benefits: rising costs, employees' lack of appreciation for the benefits provided, and employees' lack of knowledge about the true value of the benefits. Add to that the pressure of meeting ongoing government mandates and regulatory oversight and you've got some seriously frustrated business owners and human resource managers.’

‘There is a major effort to keep employee health benefit costs under control through wellness programs,’ commented Rappoport.

‘Considering that 43% of all health care claims result from chronic diseases, it makes sense to start at the root of the problem and encourage healthy behaviors among employees. More and more plans are offering employees health risk assessments and incentives and rewards for meeting certain guidelines.’