HUB International undertook a study of over 400 senior level Human Resource and Finance executives at companies with 50 to 1,000 employees across the U.S. to understand their concerns about employee benefits. The study reveals the mindset of small to mid-sized companies on issues such as benefits cost management, employee wellness, and ACA compliance. Executive HR leaders are operating in an era of unprecedented disruption brought on by ACA, rising health care costs and the increasing demands of a multi-generational workforce. A research study by HUB International, Summary Employee Benefits Barometer: SMB Perspectives and Priorities in an Era of Disruption, captures decision-maker opinions, concerns and self-assessments on how well their employee benefit strategies are performing. Among the key findings: Ȋ Employee wellness and productivity is a top priority and two thirds of respondents are seeing a return on investment in their programs, specifically in improved employee productivity and morale. Ȋ Respondents are reaping the benefits of their cost-cutting initiatives, but there appears to be many missed opportunities to deploy proven cost management strategies. Ȋ Employers perceive themselves to be on top of ACA reporting issues but nearly two-thirds say that their business will struggle to stay afloat despite efforts to optimize plan designs and operations, an indication that employers are exhausted by ACA compliance. Ȋ Despite a solid working relationship and common ground on major benefits issues, there are some troubling disconnects between HR and Finance leaders that could hinder their ability to achieve organizational goals. Research Report | Employee Benefits Barometer: SMB Perspectives and Priorities in an Era of Disruption 3