Policy Forum #91
If your organization is interested in sponsoring one of our events, contact us at memberships@ebri.org.
May 2022 Policy Forum #91
EBRI 2022 Spring Policy Forum
May 10, 2022
Panel 1: What is Driving the Great Resignation/Retirement — and What Does the Future Hold for the Labor Force?
The
COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically reconfigured the Americans labor
force — with many leaving or retiring in unexpected ways. As the economy
opens up and the workplace begins to return to normal, how will various
demographic groups reenter the labor force? With EBRI research and
insights from experts, this panel explores the reasons that workers
are staying out of or returning to the workplace. How are workers
supporting themselves if they are choosing not to return, and what can
employers do to entice them back? Will retirement preparedness be
affected? (Slides 8–50 in the slide deck)
Speakers:
- Craig Copeland, Director of Wealth Research, EBRI
- Fiona Greig, Co-President, JPMorgan Chase Institute
- Ragan Decker, Senior Researcher, Strategic Researcher Initiatives, SHRM
- Chantel Sheaks, Vice President, Retirement Policy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Moderator
Keynote Speaker: Amber Rivers, Director, Office of Health Plan Standards and Compliance Assistance, U.S. Department of Labor
Amber Rivers, Director, Office of Health Plan Standards and Compliance Assistance at the U.S. Department of Labor, provides a keynote address. Amber provides an overview of recent activity within her Office, as well as what is on the horizon, including regulation related to the Consolidated Appropriations Act’s provisions on Mental Health Parity, COVID 19, the No Surprises Act, and Transparency in Coverage. (Slides 53–54 in the slide deck)
Speakers:
- Amber Rivers, Director, Office of Health Plan Standards and Compliance Assistance, U.S. Department of Labor
- Jody Dietel, Special Advisor, Government Affairs, HealthEquity, Moderator
Panel 2: Debt and Financial Security: Challenges and Possible Solutions
Debt is a key — and particularly challenging — factor when it comes to financial wellness and retirement saving. This session examines levels and types of debt held by American workers and retirees using EBRI research — including how debt has changed from prior generations. Our panel of experts also discusses how employers and financial wellbeing programs can address the debt issue as well as how retirement savings are being impacted by the debt of workers today. (Slides 55–86 in the slide deck)
Speakers:
- Craig Copeland, Director of Wealth Research, EBRI
- Alex Smith, Chief HR Officer, City of Memphis
- Jay Washington, Associate Vice President, Diverse Markets, Voya
- Liz Varley, Vice President, Federal Government Affairs, Ameriprise, Moderator
Panel 3: The State of Mental Health in the Workplace
Mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety have been rising in the workplace and beyond — exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Workplace Wellness Survey shows that one-half of workers are at least moderately concerned about their emotional well-being. And workers and employers strongly agree that employers have a responsibility for workers’ mental health. This panel addresses the state of mental health in the workplace using recent EBRI research and insights from industry experts on how employers can address their workers’ mental health. Issues related to public policy are also discussed. (Slides 90–119 in the slide deck)
Speakers:
- Katy Riddick, Senior Director, One Mind at Work
- Paul Fronstin, Director of Health Research, EBRI
- Adam Beck, Vice President, Employer Health Policy & Initiatives, Commercial Exchange Policy & Operations, AHIP
- Jennifer Posa, Global Head for Employee Mental Wellbeing & Workplace Effectiveness, Johnson & Johnson
- Sandra Diaz-Castillo, Head of Research and Insights, U.S. Commercial Global Market Research and Insights, Cigna, Moderator