In what has become an increasingly common business arrangement, owners of nursing homes outsource a wide variety of goods and services to companies in which they have a financial interest or that they control.

Aside from a good salary, the sandwich generation caring for both children and aging parents desires a flexible workplace in terms of both work location and hours, including paid vacation and sick days.

Employees want to get into financial shape -- and they rely on their employers benefits package to help them get there.

More small employers will be looking for new ways to bend the cost curve in the new year, including adopting new funding strategies and innovative payment models. Here are three trends to watch in the small group space next year.