Taking the Pulse of Business and Workforce Challenges

In an economic downturn, long-term strategies to reward talent, meet ongoing workforce needs and plan for growth in a global marketplace don't disappear. But the short-term pressures to stay profitable increase. So how are companies managing these competing challenges? A Towers Perrin survey of HR executives provided some surprising answers.

Improving Returns on 401(k) Plans

A 401(k) plan is relatively simple to administer, popular with employees and provides a valuable benefit that most companies consider a needed-to-play item in attracting and retaining talent. But many companies still don't have useful features like auto-enrollment that can enhance the appeal of their plans and make them even more effective.

Proxy Season Puts Executive Pay Under the Microscope

In a recent Webcast, Towers Perrin consultants talked about the latest trends in executive pay and provided results from a preliminary analysis of 2008 company proxies. The bottom line: a lot of evidence that the heightened scrutiny of executive pay both by shareholders and boards is leading to constructive changes.

Global News Briefs  

France:

• Government Tries to Increase the Actual Retirement Age

Germany:

• Employer-Backed Retirement Plans Get a Lift

United States:

• House Approves Bill to Impose Expense Rule on HSAs
• FASB Proposes Additional Disclosures About Plan Assets and Risk Levels
• IRS Issues Proposed Regulations on Quarterly Contributions