Overheard At: Got a wellness question? We've got an answer.

We've got a top-notch Web Discussion coming up for you Thursday. Our recent Benefits Forum and Expo showed that wellness programs were one of, if not the top issue on benefit manager's minds.

So at 11 a.m. THIS Thursday, October 23, we're taking an hour to give a short presentation and answer your pressing questions about design, implementation, and compliance.

Our two speakers are Tami Graham of Intel and Mike Carter of the Hay Group. Graham is a 2007 BENNY winner and responsible for the design and implementation of Intel's wellness initiatives. Carter is a top-notch consultant who has worked with a variety of companies to implement healthy living initiatives.

Registration is limited, so sign up now:

Topic: Wellness Know-How: Designing an effective and compliant plan
Date: Thursday, October 23, 2008
Time: 11:00 am, Eastern Daylight Time (GMT -04:00, New York)

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To register for this meeting
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1. Go to https://sourcemedia.webex.com/sourcemedia/j.php?ED=109325047&RG=1&UID=0
2. Register for the meeting.

Once the host approves your request, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions for joining the meeting.

News You Can't Use: Say "ahh" and let the economy soothe you

Were you just a bit disgusted when you heard that AIG had sent their head honchos on a resort retreat just weeks after news of their bailout broke? Just think, they were getting rubdowns and enjoying five-course meals while you were sweating away over open enrollment business in your office.

If you live in Alabama or Florida, you can melt that stress away with a new series of economic themed spa treatments at the famed Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail resorts and spas.

"If you can afford $85 BILLION for AIG to go to the spa---You can afford this!!” said Dr. David G. Bronner, CEO of the Retirement Systems of Alabama.

TREATMENTS:

If your 401(k) has dwindled down to zero, consider a 401(k) facial to smooth away intended wrinkles. It includes a glycolic resurfacing treatment and complimentary admission to a quiet room, steam room, and whirlpools before and after treatment. The Wall Street Journal newspapers can be removed at your request. $100.

If watching the Nasdaq on it's roller coaster runs has left your body aching with whiplash, smooth away stress with the Economic Freefall Refresher. A mineralizing spa body treatment reduces stress and tension, leaving skin soft and smooth. A facial follows, featuring ingredients that stimulate cellular renewal leaving the skin soft, glowing and refreshed. A money manicure completes your refresher leaving money in your pocket. $200.

If you can't "beat" them, join them. Pound out the stress with the "Banker and Broker Bailout" package - an 80-minute therapeutic massage, deep cleansing facial and penetrating location for hydration. Gentlemen's haircut and nail trim will help finish your escape prior to taking on the wizards on Wall Street. Pin-stripe robes no longer available. $300.

For a quick fix in your office, you can even take home "Stress Relief" for $24. A variety of Sprayable vitamins are available in the spa shops.

We're not kidding … these treatments are actually available until December 1 at the following locations: Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa in Point Clear, AL; Battle House, a Renaissance Hotel, in Mobile, AL; the Montgomery Renaissance Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center in Montgomery, AL; Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa in Hoover, AL and the Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa in Florence, AL. Not available at the FDIC or local lending institutions.

Image courtesy of Battle House spa in Mobile, Alabama

Tip of the Day

BlackBerries and iPhones for all! What employers spend in mobile technology like smartphones they may regain in spades in extra worker productivity, a study of federal employees by Telework Exchange finds. Federal employees who use a smartphone for work purposes report an average time savings/productivity gain of 54 minutes per day. The report finds a clear productivity opportunity for the mobile workforce – the Federal government could save an estimated $37 million in additional productivity each day by equipping mobile employees.

News You Can Use: Save for Retirement Week is Here

Oct. 19-26 is the third annual National Save for Retirement Week. Promote the heck out of it among your employees, as research shows not all employees participate in retirement plans, and the ones that do don’t save enough.

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: 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.”

Tip of the Day

To improve productivity and reduce absenteeism, tell your employees you have their back, so to speak. A survey of HR leaders by Work Options Group reveals that 93% of your peers believe backup care helps employees balance work and family responsibilities, 81% say backup care reduces absenteeism; more than 7 in 10 employees surveyed said without backup care they are forced to miss work, 53% of HR leaders believe providing backup care boosts employee productivity; 78% of employees said backup care enhances their productivity.

Among other pluses, most HR pros say backup care reduces employee stress, improves retention and helps position their organization as an employer of choice.