In July 2024, Luxembourg government guidance explained how compensation should be handled when two statutory public holidays fall on the same day. Coincidence does not simply erase one entitlement. The appropriate treatment depends on the employee’s normal work schedule and whether work is actually performed. For employers, this is a practical leave and payroll administration issue with consequences for employees working different patterns. Begin with the individual schedule The

Willis Towers Watson (WTW) in June 2024 published the 2024 edition its annual “Employee benefits: Global insurance networks’ matrix” table. An indispensable tool of the trade for global employee benefits practitioners, it is available for download as a PDF, no registration required. The matrix “provides a complete listing of the eight global benefits networks, and their affiliated insurers and their offshore (third-country national or expat) capabilities.”

Morten Unneberg Interview – Insurope; Immune Health Is All About Balance – Food And Your Gut Microbiome Are Your Built-In Weight Loss System – Alcohol Use Disorder Can Be Treated – Does Your Service Business Need AI? – Mac At 40: User Experience Was The Innovation

In the May-June 2024 issue: Morten Unneberg Interview – Insurope And: Immune Health Is All About Balance – Aimee Pugh Bernard Food And Your Gut Microbiome Are Your Built-In Weight Loss System – Christopher Damman Alcohol Use Disorder Can Be Treated – Joseph P. Schacht Does Your Service Business Need AI? – David Cohen, Christopher Meyer, Sudhir Nair Mac At 40: User Experience Was The Innovation – Jacob O.

In June 2024, the US Social Security Administration documented Guernsey’s phased secondary pensions programme, citing local law and guidance. Employers with at least twenty six employees entered the first phase in July 2024, with smaller employers following under the published timetable. The programme supplements the State Pension and includes automatic enrolment for eligible workers, with opt out and re enrolment provisions. For multinational employers, the milestone illustrates how a

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in June 2024 announced that the G20 gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 0.9 % quarter-on-quarter in the first quarter (Q1) 2024, according to provisional estimates, up slightly from 0.7 % in the previous quarter (Chart 1). The area’s economic performance was primarily supported by China and India in Q1 2024[1]. Together with Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Korea and Indonesia, they recorded GDP growth rates

In June 2024, Germany’s official Make it in Germany portal described the new Opportunity Card for qualifying third country jobseekers. Initial job search residence can last up to twelve months, with secondary employment of up to twenty hours a week and limited job trials. Applicants may qualify through recognised skilled worker status or a points route with additional basic requirements. The practical recruitment lesson is to distinguish a person’s

In June 2024, Norway’s Ministry of Children and Families announced that the parental-benefit period at the 80 percent coverage level would increase from 295 to 306 benefit days from 1 July 2024. The stated objective was to bring the total payment broadly into line with the 100 percent option. The change concerned the relationship between replacement level and duration within the statutory system. Compare the whole benefit period A

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in May 2024 announced its latest trade numbers. After falling in 2023, G20 merchandise exports (current US dollars) bounced back in Q1 2024. Compared with Q4 2023, exports rose by 1.9 %, driven by strong growth from China, while imports slipped by 0.2 %, partly reflecting lower energy prices. According to preliminary estimates, G20 services trade continued to expand in Q1

In May 2024, South Africa’s Presidency confirmed the signing of the National Health Insurance Bill into law. The signing remarks explicitly described implementation as phased, with systems and governance arrangements still to be established. For employer health programmes, this historical milestone should be read as an enacted reform with an implementation process. It did not establish overnight operational coverage or automatically answer what every employer should do with its

Adriana Scherzinger has a rich background in the insurance industry, which has been highlighted by her recent appointment as Zurich Insurance Group’s group head of captives. She has been with Zurich since 2005, having held various significant roles across different regions, including Latin America and the Middle East, and more recently in the U.S. and Switzerland​​. Scherzinger’s educational background includes an Executive MBA from Fundação Getulio Vargas in Brazil

In April 2024, the British government confirmed commencement of a new entitlement to unpaid carer’s leave in Great Britain. Acas guidance describes up to one usual working week in twelve months, available from the first day of employment to provide or arrange care for a dependant with a long term care need. The benefit created protected time away from work. Employers should distinguish that statutory baseline from any additional

In April 2024, the OECD published Taxing Wages 2024, comparing labour taxation across eight model household types using 2023 observations. For a single average wage worker without children, the OECD average tax wedge was 34.8% of labour cost. That measure combines employer and employee labour taxes and social contributions, net of family benefits. It is not an individual’s expatriate tax rate. Mobility teams can use the report to examine

Oscar Health, an American health insurance company known for its innovative approach, has signaled a strong position for growth in 2024. Founded in 2012, Oscar Health was created to simplify the complexities of the U.S. healthcare system through technology, data, and design. The company’s recent financial performance and strategic operations highlight its potential for profitability and expansion. Financial Milestones and Growth Indicators Oscar Health‘s CEO, Mark Bertolini, recently announced

Introduction: Navigating the Complex Landscape of Workforce Health The MAXIS GBN 2024 report illuminates the multifaceted influences of industry, culture, and gender on workforce health. Drawing from an extensive analysis of medical claims data, it reveals critical insights into how these elements shape health outcomes and healthcare costs. Industry Influence on Health: A Closer Look Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions emerge as a predominant concern, with spending on MSK care witnessing

In the latest quarter of 2023, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reported a slight downturn in real household income per capita, marking a pivotal moment after a year of consistent growth. This shift, contrary to the 0.3% rise in real GDP per capita, unveils the intricate dynamics beneath the surface of economic indicators, spotlighting the diverse fiscal landscapes across member countries. The OECD’s analysis, aggregating data

In a strategic move to enhance its Business Development (BD) efforts across key global regions, MAXIS Global Benefits Network (MAXIS GBN) proudly announces the appointments of Aaron Brown and Larry Howley as the new Regional Directors for the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) and Americas regions, respectively. This announcement was made from London on 6 February 2024, marking a significant step in ensuring MAXIS GBN’s commitment to delivering

Mercer, a leading financial services company and a subsidiary of Marsh McLennan, has announced the appointment of Susan Potter as the new Region President for the United States and Canada, effective January 22. This strategic promotion follows her successful tenure as Chief Commercial Officer since 2019. Potter’s promotion to this pivotal role comes at a time when Mercer is expanding its horizons, most notably with the planned acquisition of

Arnau Vila Llavina Interview (Zurich GEBS) – Immune Health Is All About Balance – Physical Decline With Age Is Not Inevitable – COVID-19 Variant Eris Declared ‘Of Interest’. Should We Worry? – Long COVID: There Might Also Be A Long Cold – Tracking Daily Step Counts Can Be A Useful Tool For Weight Management

In the January-February 2024 issue: Arnau Vila Llavina Interview – Zurich GEBS And: Immune Health Is All About Balance – Aimee Pugh Bernard Physical Decline With Age Is Not Inevitable – Zachary Gillen COVID-19 Variant Eris Declared ‘Of Interest’. Should We Worry? – Catherine Bennett, Stuart Turville Long COVID: There Might Also Be A Long Cold – Giulia Vivaldi Tracking Daily Step Counts Can Be A Useful Tool For

London, 22 January 2024 In a groundbreaking move, MAXIS Global Benefits Network (MAXIS GBN), a pioneer in the corporate wellness arena, has announced a partnership with Maven Clinic, the world’s preeminent virtual clinic for women’s and family health. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in MAXIS GBN’s efforts to expand its wellness technology marketplace. The union between MAXIS GBN and Maven Clinic is poised to revolutionize healthcare offerings for

In January 2024, The Pensions Regulator laid its General Code in Parliament, consolidating ten existing codes covering pension governance and administration. The original announcement anticipated commencement on 27 March; the regulator’s later annual report records actual commencement on 28 March 2024. The historical distinction matters. The code brought expectations into a more coherent format, while many underlying standards were already established. For multinational pension sponsors, the practical question is

In January 2024, the Guernsey Financial Services Commission reported that administrators had secured a buyer for parts of Global Benefits Group’s international education insurance businesses and administration platform. Its 22 January statement described continuity of service and benefits for a number of GBG Insurance Limited customers. This updates our earlier discussion of the December 2023 insurer failure and illustrates why reassurance about an acquisition must be tied to the

In a strategic move that reshapes the landscape of employee benefits and pension administration, Aptia has officially announced its launch. Formed by investment from Bain Capital Insurance, Aptia emerges as a formidable entity, boasting an impressive clientele of 1,100 global clients, thereby extending its services to support over 7 million individuals. A New Era in Benefits Administration? The firm is the result of a strategic acquisition of Mercer’s U.S.

Luxembourg, January 2024 – Mercer Marsh Benefits has announced the appointment of David Chalaoui as their new Growth Leader for Europe in Global Mobility Solutions. Chalaoui, who commenced his role in January 2024, brings a wealth of experience and expertise in business development and client relations within the European region. Prior to joining Mercer Marsh Benefits, Chalaoui had an extensive career at Swiss Life Global Solutions, where he served

As of October 2023, the OECD unemployment rate was 4.9%, remaining under 5.0% since July 2022​​. This stability is significant for the insurance and pensions sector as it indicates a relatively stable labor market. However, the number of unemployed persons reached 33.4 million, the highest in 2023. The disparity in unemployment rates among OECD countries is notable, with rates rising in 14 countries, unchanged in 9, and declining in

The OECD’s “Pensions at a Glance 2023” report presents a detailed analysis of pension systems, demographic trends, and policy reforms among its G20 member countries. Here’s GBV’s comprehensive analysis based on the key findings from the report: 1. Pension Reforms and Retirement Age Adjustments Increasing Retirement Ages: Many OECD countries continue to increase retirement ages. For example, Sweden raised its retirement age and linked it to two-thirds of life-expectancy