Top companies make adjustments for workers during tough times

Monday, 22 August 2011 16:00

In a climate of rising healthcare costs and heavy responsibilities being put on workers due to the slow economy, small adjustments can help organizations strengthen employee performance while keeping employee health benefit costs low.

Principal Financial Group examined the aspects that make organizations successful during difficult times.

Top companies "understand the direct connection between well-rounded benefits, a healthier, happier workforce and a better bottom line. That's what sets them apart from other companies in both the best and worst economic times," said Luke Vandermillen, VP of Principal.

One shift that well-performing companies have been making is to help workers tailor their insurance packages to suit individual needs, as well as share in the cost of benefits. Additionally, engaging and educating staff members on how to best use their benefits may be a key factor in keeping costs relatively low.

Additionally, the company announced that successful organizations have been using employee wellness programs to get to the root of benefit costs: staff health. Improving workers' mental and physical well-being has been shown to be an effective way to reduce insurance expenditures.