1. What do we mean by the strategic planning of benefits? Why is this critical to the success of an organization?
2. Benefits are a huge expense so why do employers offer benefits?
3. What is meant by "the psychology of benefits"? Include in your discussion the psychological contract.
4. What is ERISA? Discuss the history and what is covered.
5. Discuss the following pension plans/savings plans (1) Defined Benefit and (2) Defined Contribution. If you were an employer which would you choose to offer and why?
6. What are Consumer Driven Health Plans? How do they work and what is the intent and driving force behind these plans. What is your opinion as an employer and what would your opinion be as an employee?
7. Discuss the various types of welfare plans that are offered by employers. How could an opt-up or plus plan work with these benefits?
8. Discuss the mandated benefits.
9. Discuss the various types of benefits included in PTO. Discuss our hot topic of whether carry-over should be allowed from the employers perspective and from your personal perspective
10. What are EAP's? Discuss their benefit to employers and to employees. How do EAP's support the employer as well as the employee?
11. Discuss cafeteria plans under Section 125 of the IRS code. Why do they make good business sense and how are the beneficial to employees as well.
12. Choose a topic of your choice from the text or our discussions that really interested or surprised you.