News You Can Use: Number of expats doubles

The economy hasn't soured employers on expatriate assignments, as new research from Mercer finds that the number of that the number of employees working abroad has nearly doubled in the last several years -- from 50,000 in 2005-2006 to 94,000 today.

Benefits factored highly in employers' expat plans, as 86% of respondents consider benefits provisions for expatriates as a medium or high priority. However, strategy appears to be lacking, as 26% have no overarching policy for providing expatriate benefits and 64% report no specific procedures in place to measure the success of their expatriate benefit programs.

Among specific benefits for expats:
* 32% of companies offer international plans (a nearly 10% increase from 2005)
* More than 80% do not consider the local social security provision when providing medical benefits for expatriates.
* 86% cover expat death benefits.
* 78% provide long-term disability benefits.

With such significant investments going into expatriate assignments, coupled with the unforgiving economy, selecting the right employees for expat assignments is crucial. Read the current EBN for tips on conducting "expat profiling," and listen to a "Five Minutes With..." podcast with expat expert Steve Watson on what employers should be looking for in expat candidates.

News You Can Use: Uninsured population drops, how to continue the trend

Here’s a downward spiral we can all agree we’d like to continue: Census data reveal that the number of uninsured individuals in the United States fell by 1.5 million between 2006 and 2007, driven by growth in Medicare, Medicaid, military programs and Massachusetts health care reform. This report from the Kaiser Family Foundation points to lessons we can take from the decline and how to make it last.

News You Can Use: The difference two years makes

New survey results from Sun Life Financial show that 46% of employees surveyed are “very confident” they will have enough money to take care of their basic living expenses at 67. however, a much smaller number (28%) are just as confident they’ll be able to handle health care expenses at that age. See current EBN coverage about how to help employees improve their overall retirement readiness, including encouraging them to work a couple years longer.

News You Can Use: 401(k) changes a’comin’

Could be good news, bad news on the 401(k) front, as the IRS announced it’s raised the annual contribution limit from $15,500 to $16,500, but congressional lawmakers want to take the bull in a china shop approach to governing the plans, seeking to eliminate tax breaks for investors and mandating participation.

News You Can Use: DOL says returns trump responsibility in pensions

All you DB plan sponsors out there investing in socially responsible funds to make money and a difference: Quit it! According to EBSA, the benefits arm of the Dept. of Labor, generating big returns are the only consideration plan sponsors may consider – not “political, corporate or other purposes.”

News You Can Use: Employees hopping on the wellness bandwagon

Employees want to become healthier, and they are receptive to wellness programs offered by their employers. That’s the take-home message from the National Business Group on Health’s new survey.

As a result of employer communications about health and wellness, 43% of workers have made an effort to improve their overall health. For this type of communication, e-mail is the preferred format of 77% of employees. “They want more health care communications targeted to their interests,” says Helen Darling, president of NBGH. “Employees do value communications from their employer. ”

Other key findings include:
* 74% of employees are trying to adopt healthier lifestyles today in hopes of reducing future health care costs in retirement.
* 54% of workers say they would take advantage of health-related programs sponsored by their employer, union or health plan.
* 47% of employees say work demands prevent them from leading a healthier life.
* 34% of all employees would be very likely or extremely likely to participate in a stress management program if it was offered at work.

Darling notes, “The financial meltdown will make [wellness initiatives] more important. We know we need to do better.”

News You Can Use: National Boss Day is Thursday

Nobody likes a suck up, but here's one day of the year when it just might be acceptable. Thursday is the 50^th anniversary of National Boss Day.

"We find that employees today want to show their appreciation for their superiors who not only take on the challenges of leading a successful team, but also work to mentor employees and assist in their professional growth," said Abby Gibbs, Boss's Day product manager at American Greetings.

While we're not quite sure what you should do to honor this momentous holiday, (flowers or cards are suggested), we have done a bit of research into appropriate gifts under $50.

For the Traditionalist:

Professional and stylish is the name of the game. Show them that your affection won't die (or require lots of care) with this sleek Fern in a silver planter. $29.99 at 1-800-Flowers.com.

Gestures don't have to cost big bucks. Send them a Boss Day e-card. Free with registration on AmericanGreetings.com

If your boss is sweet as can be, send them one of these signature seven-layer southern caramel cakes. If you're really lucky, they'll share. $42.50 at CarolinesCakes.com.

For the Joker:

If your boss is a practical joker, they'll love the sarcastic (and sometimes less-than-appropriate) cards from SomeECards.com, like this one that reads: "Have a great Boss' Day even though I have no idea if you're technically my boss." Free at someecards.com.

Your boss once told you "money doesn't grow on trees." Now it does, with this "money tree," $49.99 at RedEnvelope.com.

Do you secretly suspect that your boss is playing Scrabulous on company time? Give them a miniature ping pong or golf desk set so that they can play in public. $9.99 at MerlinsBox.com.

For the Stylista

Just make sure she's already married, or this gigantic bling paperweight might imply something other than your affection for her skills as a leader. $20 at Wishingfish.com.