Working Forward

The January 2026 stop loss cycle delivered a market unlike anything we’ve seen in years. Escalating medical inflation, a surge in catastrophic claims for cancer and other conditions collided with carriers under pressure to hit pricing targets—creating one of the most volatile years to date. But the bigger question is: what does it mean for the rest of the year and 2027? In this bonus episode of th...

In our final episode of Season 2, Todd is joined by our VP, Head of Workforce Benefits Sales, David Schneeweis, to interview Paralympic champion Chris Waddell. Chris shares his incredible journey—including his goal to become the first paraplegic to summit Mount Kilimanjaro—and how he overcame challenges along the way. Join us as we talk about how we can bring that same spirit into the workplace, c...

From streamlining operations and enhancing customer experiences to raising ethical and regulatory concerns. In this episode, we explore how AI is transforming the financial services landscape, what it means for risk management and how organizations can responsibly navigate this evolving technology.

In this episode we discuss how innovative solutions like fully integrated benefits administration and app-enabled customer service platforms help streamline claim processing, boost plan utilization and revolutionize health care benefits management for both employees and employers.

Cancer is a life-changing diagnosis, but product development in employee benefit and individual insurance coverage are providing critical support for those navigating diagnosis, treatment and recovery. In this episode, we explore some of the innovative solutions available today and how the industry is stepping up to help address the emotional, physical and financial challenges faced by individuals...

In this episode we look at the intersection between employee benefits and individual retirement products and how they support employees’ financial security during their working years and beyond.

Season 1 cohost, Laura Dinan Habor, returns as a guest to discuss the challenges, opportunities and transformative potential of InsurTech while offering insights into future solutions for tomorrow’s workforce.

Join us as we explore the evolving world of employee benefits through the lens of sales representatives at different stages in their careers. From fresh perspectives to seasoned insights, we discuss how they build relationships, adapt to trends and deliver exceptional support to broker partners.

In this episode we discuss how diversity, equity and inclusion will shape product development, from meeting the needs of a diverse workforce to understanding the importance of adopting inclusive language to help foster belonging.

We explore the future of absence management, state-paid family leave programs, and the critical role of return-to-work initiatives. From legislative shifts to emerging practices, we dissect the evolving landscape and its implications for employers and employees alike.

In this episode, we examine the importance of understanding employee sentiment and how it impacts and influences business decisions and success. We talk with Aniline, a software company that utilizes AI to extract valuable insights on employee experience and satisfaction from multiple platforms. Additionally, we examine our own practices, highlighting the importance of gathering feedback to enhanc...

In this episode, we discuss the growing demand for benefit plans that offer flexibility and inclusivity to meet the needs of a multigenerational workforce. We also spotlight innovative startups that are revolutionizing new employee benefits, including options like IVF and supportive care from pregnancy to postpartum.

In this episode, we explore the cutting-edge advancements reshaping the landscape of enrollment technology. From AI-driven decision support systems to streamlined health care plan comparisons, we discuss how innovation is transforming the way individuals and organizations navigate benefits at work.

Join our hosts in the final episode as they reflect on various topics from the first season, including mental health, technology advancements, workplace culture and generational differences, and the impact of remote and hybrid work.

In this episode of Working Forward, we talk with guests from leading research and consulting firms, Ernst & Young and LIMRA/LOMA, about the forces driving the workplace experience today and how they will impact the workforce of tomorrow.

Support for mental health through workplace benefits is a growing need. In episode 9 of Working Forward, we dive into how that might look for the future—from overcoming mental health stigmas to what it means for employee retention.

Employers are starting to think differently about benefits. In this episode, we tap into the world of startups to see how companies like Ianacare and Midi are providing resources and services that fall outside traditional benefit offerings and help support employees who have historically been underserved or underrepresented.

In this episode of our Working Forward podcast, we talk about how mental health wellness, inclusiveness, engagement and the pursuit of overall happiness are changing employee mindsets around what work means—and how employers can make it more meaningful.

In our latest episode, our hosts are joined by benefit brokers and consultants for a conversation about how their business has changed in recent years, how their clients' business has changed, what it means for the future of work and how the industry should start planning now in order to respond to the rapid pace of change in technology and workforce dynamics. *Note: Due to bandwidth issues, you m...

Listen as our hosts discuss themes from our first four episodes, from generational differences in the workforce and how to keep employees engaged, to the role technology and company culture play in remote and hybrid work environments.

Listen as we discuss what's happening in the medical space—from diagnosis trends to new treatment plans—and the role technology plays in how people access and use their health care benefits. *The vendor and/or distributor mentioned in this recording is not affiliated, but currently has a working relationship with Symetra Life Insurance Company and affiliates.

Employees are looking for work that not only helps them pay the bills, but also provides opportunities to enrich their lives. In this episode, we discuss how the workplace of today is changing and what that could mean for the workforce of tomorrow. Cited sources: “Redefining Benefits for a New Era of Work,” Cake & Arrow. Retrieved December 2022, https://go.cakeandarrow.com/beyond-burnout. “Gig...

Listen to what employers are saying about the future of work, including their perspectives on hybrid and remote work, the metaverse and supporting the changing needs of the workforce.

Tune in to our first episode where we talk about emerging trends and issues shaping the future of work and what that could mean for employers, employees and benefit solution providers.