When it comes to filling a job opening, companies have two options: internal recruitment vs. external recruitment.   Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important for companies to carefully consider which is best for their specific needs. In this blog, we'll explore each method, providing insight on how to make the best decision for your organization.  What is internal recruitment?  Internal recruitment means filling job vacancies from within a company by promoting or transferring current employees to the desired position rather than hiring externally. Internal recruitment can take various forms, such as:  promoting employees to higher positions;  transferring employees to different departments or locations; or   encouraging employees to apply for open positions within the organization.  One benefit of internal recruitment is that it provides opportunities for career development and advancement for current employees. By c...

Group employee medical benefit plans typically fall into one of two categories: self-funded or fully insured. The choice of one over the other should not be made arbitrarily. Each type carries its own set of administrative rules and legal constraints.  What is self-funding?   Under an insured health benefit plan, an insurance company assumes the financial and legal risk of loss in exchange for a fixed premium paid to the carrier by the employer. Employers with self-funded (or self-insured) plans retain the risk of paying for their employees’ healthcare themselves, typically from corporate funds.   Most employers with more than 200 employees self-insure some or all their employee health benefits. Many employers with fewer than 200 employees also self-fund, but these employers require greater stop-loss insurance protection than larger employers (stop-loss insurance is discussed below). Generally, employers with fewer than 100 employees fully insure their group medical benef...

Employers often ask, “What are the benefits of employee assistance programs, and how can I encourage employees to use them?”  EAPs are employer-sponsored programs that offer services or referrals to help employees manage personal challenges. These programs can boost employee well-being, satisfaction, performance and health.   Unfortunately, these programs are heavily underutilized. According to Mental Health America , 98% of mid- to large-sized companies offer EAPs, but only 4% of employees use them yearly. This represents a significant missed opportunity for employers and employees. Employers can use the guidance in this article to increase the use of their EAPs.  What is an EAP?  EAPs vary between organizations. Some programs focus specifically on issues such as mental health or substance misuse, while others offer expanded services to address eating disorders, marital issues, legal problems, childcare, care for older adults, gambling addiction and more.  Depe...