News you can use: CFOs most concerned about benefits

New survey from the folks at Grant Thornton shows that CFOs are eyeing benefits. The firm recently asked about 700 CFOs and other financial executives "which types of pricing pressure are you most concerned about?"

54.97% said employee benefits (e.g., health care, pensions)
40.20% said energy
38.74% said raw materials (e.g., food, metals)
16.81% said insurance
12.43% said other
4.82% said commercial property

And while it might be tempting to read the use of "concerned" in the question as a euphemism for cut, the experts over at GT say not so fast. Check back here on Monday for a podcast of EBA Editor Robert L. Whiddon's recent interview with some of the brains behind the survey.

News You Can Use: Credit crunch could squeeze benefits

A new national survey by Grant Thornton LLP reveals that 55% of CFOs say they have seen credit costs increase, and 64% have found credit more difficult to come by than one year ago.

As a result, nearly one-quarter (23%) expect their employee rolls to decrease over the next six months, and 55% name benefits costs as their top concern.

While benefit managers can't control the financial crisis, and shrinking availability of credit as a result, you can stand and make the case to their CFOs that trimming benefits may do more harm than good. To help you effectively speak financial-ese, read current coverage in EBN.