IPMA-HR Benchmarking Committee Releases 2011 Benchmarking Survey Report, Benefits in the New Economy

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

IPMA-HR Benchmarking Committee Releases 2011 Benchmarking Survey Report, Benefits in the New Economy

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - What steps are organizations taking to save money, reduce costs, or encourage retention at a time when public servants are under fire? The results of the 2011 IPMA-HR Benchmarking Report on Benefits in the New Economy show that public employers are indeed responding to the recession by changing benefits. 

"Some of these changes are cost-shifting measures," said Neil E. Reichenberg, executive director of the International Public Management Association for Human Resources (IPMA-HR), "but many are creative attempts to control costs while enhancing the work life of employees."

For instance, a number of jurisdictions have opted to enhance their wellness programs or adopt new ones. This is an area that deserves attention because of the great potential to engage employees and improve their lives, while at the same time saving money. The case studies feature a program from the Delaware State Housing Authority.

Other creative programs are featured in the report, including Coconino, Ariz.'s "personal day purchase program" that allowed the county to save money without requiring furloughs. A flexible time off program, from Anoka County, Minn., alternative work arrangements from Minneapolis, Minn., and an education incentive plan from the city of Hoover, Ala., are also featured.

Find IPMA-HR's 2011 Benchmarking Survey Report, Benefits in the New Economy, sponsored by Fox Lawson & Associates, a division of Gallagher Benefit Services, Inc., in its entirety, online.

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About IPMA-HR

The International Public Management Association for Human Resources (IPMA-HR) is an association representing the interests of state, local, and federal sector human resources professionals. IPMA-HR provides human resource leadership and advocacy, professional development, information, and services to enhance public sector performance. To learn more, visit www.ipma-hr.org.