Despite uncertainty about the future of health care, and their own concerns about the rising cost of providing health care to their workers, employers are still investing in their employees' long-term health and productivity. A new survey by Hewitt Associates found that 42 percent of employers have a formal health care plan in place, consistent with last year. Additionally, 80 percent say offering competitive benefits is a key component of that strategy.

Hewitt reports that while a minority of employers actually has a health care strategy in place, the number of employers who recognize that tailored programs lay the "best foundation for future change" is increasing. Over half of employers surveyed already have a disease management program in place, and of those who don't, 11 percent will implement one this year, and 75 percent plan to implement one in the next three to five years.

Mental health and absence management programs have a smaller following, but interest is growing, Hewitt reports. Just over one-third of employers have implemented behavioral health initiatives like employee assistance programs, but 58 percent plan to do so in the next three to five years. A similar percentage (56 percent) plan to add absence management programs to their current plans in the next three to five years.