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In episode 54 of “The JoyPowered™ Workspace Podcast,” JoDee and Susan discuss what’s new in benefits with Paul Ashley of FirstPerson. Topics include elder care resource services, advancement initiatives for women, telemedicine, and unpaid sabbaticals. A listener asks what needs to be considered when terminating 10% of their workforce.

Stephen Miller’s SHRM article, “The 10 New Benefits Workers Want,” brings up some relevant trends that employers should be considering for their workers. The trends featured in the article are elder care resource services, disaster relief funds, advancement initiatives for women, telemedicine, identity theft insurance, unpaid sabbaticals, paid parental leave, and student loan repayment. JoDee, Susan, and Paul discuss pros, cons, and other things you should know about each of these trends.

Another article by Stephen Miller, 6 Big Benefit Trends for 2019, features trends that benefit experts expect to see take off in the workforce in 2019. Paul fills JoDee and Susan in on the first trend, account-based health plans, which may change the way employers offer health insurance to their employees. The second trend is a viewpoint that direct contracting with health providers will grow. Some other trends mentioned in the article include more family friendly policies, more personal voluntary benefits, emotional health, and benefits technology. Lastly, Paul mentions one more benefit that he expects to grow in 2019, shifting wellness focus to targeted solutions for different populations among one’s workforce.

In this episode’s listener mail, a listener expecting to terminate 10% of their workforce this year asks for suggestions on what to consider. In the news, JoDee and Susan address employers’ need for a workplace violence plan, which has become top of mind following the February workplace shooting in Aurora, IL.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Purple Ink
• Susan Tinder White Consulting
• JoyPowered™: Intentionally Creating an Inspired Workspace by JoDee Curtis
• The JoyPowered™ Family by JoDee Curtis and Denise McGonigal
• The JoyPowered™ Team by Erin Brothers, JoDee Curtis, Peggy Hogan, Denise McGonigal, Laura North, Susan Tinder White, and Liz Zirkelbach
• FirstPerson
• “The 10 New Benefits Workers Want”
• Pete the Planner
• “6 Big Benefit Trends for 2019”
• “A Workplace Shooting Is Every HR Profession’s Fear”