America's Benefit Specialist June 2023

NOTEWORTHY

inclusive and collaborative workplaces that foster connection, and more resources tailored to the unique needs of employ ees and their families.” Year over year, The Hartford’s Future of Benefits Study has shown a connection between employee mental well-being, mental health support, and the impact on a company’s bot tom line. For example, nearly one-third (30%) of U.S. workers in 2023 reported feeling depressed or anxious at least a few times a week, compared to 34% in 2022. Also, a majority of HR professionals (64%) feel the deteriorating mental health of their workforce has a negative financial impact on their com pany, which is down compared to 71% last year. A majority of U.S. workers believe employers should provide more mental health training for managers (58%), additional mental health tools for employees (59%) and better resources for their dependents (58%). Also, a majority of HR professionals agree managers need additional training (71%) and mental health resources (65%), but half said a lack of funding prevents them from doing so. Fielded February 14–28, The Hartford’s 2023 Future of Benefits Study included 500 human resource benefit deci sion-makers and 1,100 U.S. workers. More information is avail able at www.thehartford.com.

POLL SHOWS UNCERTAINTY OVER TRAVEL HEALTH RISKS/MEDICAL COVERAGE AS APPETITE FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL INCREASES Americans are increasingly traveling outside the U.S., with nearly half planning a trip abroad in the next two years. De spite the fact that one in four will experience a medical event abroad, according to a new survey of 2,086 conducted by Harris Poll and sponsored by GeoBlue, 46% believe a medical event would be covered by their domestic health insurance. Additionally, over three-quarters of consumers (76%) likely don’t have adequate health insurance coverage for interna tional trips, according to GeoBlue. A majority of travelers surveyed (77%) know medical care abroad is just as important as a nice place to stay and a good flight. Furthermore, nearly nine in 10 (87%) know a medical event is a realistic possibility. Nevertheless, 52% have an “it won’t happen to me” attitude, which is concerning as most don’t have adequate health insurance coverage in another country should they need it. Appetites for international travel are large, with nearly two thirds (64%) making plans to travel internationally in the next five years. Forty-six percent are planning an international trip

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