Entries Written By Jess
Insurance brokers vs agents: Key differences explained
Those on the hunt for corporate insurance will quickly discover that not only do countless plans exist, but so do a variety of different distribution channels in the market. There are insurance companies that you can buy from directly, agents who will sell plans on the insurers’ behalf, and brokers that search and compare coverage …
Employee benefits trends to have on your radar in 2018
One of the most essential aspects of operating a business is ensuring that employees are engaged, and providing them with enough incentive to enhance productivity. Health insurance continues to remain a large priority for employers, but with ever-rising premiums, HR teams are faced with the need to contain costs amid growing employee expectations. In addition …
Employee benefits and third culture kids: What do global citizens want most from employers?
“Where are you from?” is a common ice-breaker-esque question that we’ve all been asked before. While most of us will find it an easy question to answer, the same might not be said for the burgeoning tribe of third culture kids (or TCKs). Have you met someone born in Australia, who grew up in Bahrain, …
Employee assistance programs: How do I select the best one?
We all encounter hardships. Some we see coming, while others take us completely by surprise. From family and financial issues, to depression and anxiety, personal problems can take a remarkable, if little-discussed, toll on productivity in the workplace. In fact, lost productivity and absenteeism together cost organizations close to USD 312 billion annually. Given this …
Check out our new report on the state of health insurance
As we roll into January, the majority of us will have started making plans and goals for the year ahead. During this time, individuals and employers alike may also begin to consider purchasing or renewing their health insurance policies. In our goal to simplify health insurance and help those that are looking for plans make …
Back-to-work strategy: How to help new parents transition back to work
Returning to work after taking time out can be tough, especially for new parents. Assuming most companies want to retain their talented returnees, it behooves employers to address the reintroduction of employees to the workplace and provide a softer landing for returning new parents. But, how can employers better facilitate new parents returning to work? …
Health insurance coverage and employee health outcomes
We often hear people in the healthcare sector talk about ‘health outcomes’, but what does it really mean? According to World Health Organization, an outcome is “a change in the health status of an individual, group or population which is attributable to a planned intervention or series of interventions, regardless of whether such an intervention …
Out of the shadows: Making mental health a priority for Hong Kong employers
Mental health issues are pervasive across the world, in virtually every population; affecting all of us either directly or indirectly. Hong Kong, with its frenetic and competitive work culture, is no stranger to this phenomenon. In fact, it has been estimated that about 32 percent of employees in 2016 were classed as having unsatisfactory mental …
International travel insurance requirements: What employers need to know
In an increasingly globalized marketplace, placing employees in assignments across international locations has become an essential part of doing business. Sending staff overseas, however, can be a fairly complex and involved task. Beyond organizing employee accommodation and travel arrangements, it is also imperative to arrange adequate international travel insurance coverage to safeguard the health and …
Global health insurance provider Aetna buys Bupa Thailand
At the end of July, leading global health insurance provider Aetna Inc. announced that it had acquired UK-based Bupa Group’s Thai business, Bupa Thailand, for an undisclosed amount. The acquisition allows Aetna to significantly increase its presence in the Asia region, and is key to their strategy to go ‘broader and deeper’ into local healthcare …