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Archived Results - 2013

Archived results reveal key trends

Browse for previous Aflac WorkForces Report research

2013 Archived Results

The Aflac WorkForces Report examines the issues impacting employee benefits. Data from the 3rd annual Aflac WorkForces Report shows the impact health care reform is having in the workplace, the widening gap between companies that actively leverage benefits as part of their business strategy and those who do not, and the growing importance of voluntary benefits to workers.

- Read the Executive Summary
- Executive Summary Brochure
- Read the Press Release

Company Size Fact Sheets

When it comes to benefits, the size of your workforce plays a significant role in shaping your programs.

- Small Companies (<100 employees)
- Medium-sized Companies (100–499 employees)
- Large Companies (500+ employees)

Regional Data

The 2013 Aflac WorkForces Report reviewed state and city demographic data to uncover workforce trends across the nation. Click to view findings specific to U.S. Geographic Locations.

- National
- Northeast
- Southeast
- Midwest
- West

Key Insights


Turning Tables: How Benefit Decisions Will Impact Employers

The tables have turned this year’s open enrollment season. Historically open enrollment focused on the importance of benefits decisions for workers, however this year it ushers in equally critical benefit decisions for employers. As companies consider changes to their benefit plans, and compliance with health care reform legislation, they should carefully consider the potential negative impact on employee productivity, engagement and job satisfaction metrics of simply shifting expenses to their workers. Read the article.

Workers Reveal 4 Key Health Care Reform Concerns

The fruit of seemingly endless national debate, released provisions, and guidance will soon begin to bloom, but what will it look like? The first official open-enrollment period of the Affordable Care Act begins on Oct. 1, 2013, and the remaining provisions of the law start to fall in place on Jan. 1, 2014. Though reform will have an impact on every American household, startling enough, most are not prepared for what lies ahead. Though it may not be keeping workers up at night yet, new research shows most don't understand reform and many fear they'll suddenly wake up and not be protected when it comes to benefits. Read the article.

Measuring Worksite Wellness

Wellness programs come in all shapes and sizes. From gym memberships and wellness newsletters to on-site fitness facilities and personal health coaching, an effective program can look very different depending on a company’s resources and the needs of its workforce. New research from 3rd annual Aflac WorkForces Report reveals a growing investment in company wellness programs, however many companies are struggling to effectively measure the impact of their programs. Especially as health care reform introduces new wellness provisions, results show an important gap in practice. Read the article.

Workers Remain Financially Unprepared

The aftershocks of the recession continue to be felt. Workers have experienced cut backs on employer-paid health care costs, raises, bonuses and more. Measures such as cost shifting, pay freezes and furloughs have had great impacts on employees. These unavoidable consequences of the economic downturn have not only affected employee morale and loyalty, but have also created a mentally stressed-out and financially vulnerable workforce. Read the article.

The Uphill Road to Consumer-Driven Health Care

A consumer-driven health care model gives consumers the primary decision-making role regarding the health care they receive. Employers have arguably embraced the idea of consumer-driven health care more quickly than consumers. In fact, controlling health/medical insurance costs was named the most important HR objective for companies in 2013. As a result, many companies have already introduced high-deductible health plans (HDHPs). However, the 2013 Aflac WorkForces Report found that 72 percent of workers have not heard of the phrase “consumer-driven health care.” Of those who had, 38 percent said that although they have heard of the phrase, they don’t understand it very well or at all. Read the article.

The Competitive Edge

Insights from the 2013 Aflac WorkForces Report reveal an emerging group of companies that are excelling by leveraging key HR and benefits outcomes. Benefits decision-makers at these companies have a clear understanding of health care reform and are making employee benefits and communication a priority. Study provides insights into vital opportunities for businesses to leverage HR and benefits best practices to gain a competitive edge. Read the article.

The Hidden Rewards of Voluntary Benefits

Voluntary insurance policies, such as critical illness, short-term disability, accident, life insurance and many more, help complement major medical policies. Many businesses offer these voluntary benefits to meet workforce needs, and increasingly as a solution to growing health care costs. Insights from the 2013 Aflac WorkForces Report reveal the many hidden rewards for businesses offering voluntary benefits, and the even greater advantages for workers who are enrolled. Read the article.

About the Study

The 2023-2024 Aflac WorkForces Report is the 13th annual research study examining benefits trends and attitudes. The surveys, conducted by Kantar, captured responses from 1,201 employers and 2,000 employees across the United States in various industries.