Joining me on the HRchat podcast this time is Julie Stich, Vice President, Content at the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans.
In her role, Julie oversees the International Foundation’s educational programs, which include online learning courses, webinars, and more than 100 annual in-person educational events.
As an expert in employee benefits, Julie closely follows emerging issues and trends to ensure that the International Foundation’s 32,000 members, representing over 25 million individuals, stay informed and empowered.
Julie is a regular speaker on health care, retirement, and other employee benefits topics, and her insights have been quoted by various media outlets, such as The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Forbes, CNBC, and Yahoo! Finance Canada.
Listen in to get the lowdown on:
- The mission of the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans and its impact on employers and employees.
- Julie’s co-hosting role in the Talking Benefits Podcast with Justin Held and Anne Patterson; we discuss the essence of the show and any memorable guests or topics that left an impact.
- The recent strategic alliance with the Wellness Council of America and how it expands benefits and wellness education opportunities for millions of employees.
- The effects of the pandemic on the employee benefits landscape and whether traditional benefits like health coverage and retirement plans have regained prominence as we return to ‘normalcy.’
- Key issues surrounding mental health and suicide prevention in the workplace, as well as the challenges associated with these matters (e.g., stigma). We’ll also explore potential solutions for employers, such as telehealth and apps, to address challenges like the lack of providers.
Julie’s involvement with various organizations, including the International Society of Certified Employee Benefit Specialists (ISCEBS), the Employee Benefit Research Institute, and the Pension Research Council, showcases her commitment to this field. She holds the Certified Employee Benefit Specialist® (CEBS®) professional designation, a master’s degree in library and information science, and a bachelor of arts degree in English and history from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee.
Tune in as we gain insights from Julie’s wealth of experience and expertise, discussing employee benefits and their impact on workplaces today.
Lastly, we hear more about the 69th Annual Employee Benefits Conference, featuring keynote speaker Dr. Sanjay Gupta, which is scheduled to take place in October in the beautiful city of Boston. Julie will share additional details about this exciting event during our conversation.