This episode digs into what really moves the needle for return-to-work (RTW) success, drawing on insights from IBI’s latest Return-to-Work Success report and new disability management research. You’ll hear how early outreach, coordinated case management, and smart job accommodations can cut disability duration, boost long-term success, and keep teams strong. We unpack why RTW chances decline after about 70 days away, how multi-domain RTW programs help employees return 1.4 times faster, and why confidence, manager support, and culture matter just as much as medical recovery. We also spotlight practical, low-cost accommodations, ways to address barriers such as transportation and childcare, and the handful of RTW metrics that actually matter to employers, HR leaders, benefit consultants, and vendors who want absence management to be a true strategic advantage.

Discover the business impact of caregiver support in the workplace with insights from IBI’s most recently published research. In this episode, we go beyond the headlines to reveal how caregiving responsibilities now affect more than 60 million working Americans across every age, industry, and pay grade. Hear why 45 percent of caregivers fall within their prime earning years, how unaddressed family care leads to $30 billion in annual productivity losses, and why employees with high caregiving strain are up to 40 times more likely to report major disruptions at work. We break down the newest evidence on supporting employee caregivers—showing which benefits, programs, and leadership strategies drive real results for workforce engagement, retention, and satisfaction.

Recent IBI research reveals that hybrid and remote work reduce absences for 70% of organizations. Explore how flexible scheduling, digital self-reporting, and proactive caregiver support are reshaping absence management, driving productivity, and setting a new standard for employee wellbeing in today’s workforce.

A forward-looking take on artificial intelligence in health benefits and absence management. Highlights recent IBI research on how HR and benefits leaders are adopting AI tools for predictive analytics, automation, and improving employee experience, with examples of what’s working across organizations.

Employers across the country are investing heavily in mental health — but are those benefits actually working?

In this episode of IBI’s Research Roundup, we break down findings from the 2025 Mental Health Report: Mind the Gap, a new study based on responses from more than 1,200 full-time employees. The data reveals a critical truth: it’s not about access, it’s about utilization.

Employees who actively use mental health benefits show nearly 3x stronger links to wellbeing and productivity compared to those who only have access on paper. And when employees engage with six or more different benefits, the outcomes multiply — higher wellbeing, stronger psychological safety, and less presenteeism.

We explore:

• Which benefits deliver the biggest impact (hint: cultural supports outperform clinical services)
• How utilization patterns differ by gender, age, and parental status
• Why non-binary employees report some of the most concerning wellbeing scores
• How company size changes the equation for ROI
• Practical steps employers can take to drive engagement, awareness, and equity

The takeaway? A bigger benefits catalog isn’t the answer. Real change comes from building a culture where employees feel safe, supported, and encouraged to use the resources available to them.

👉 Download the full report at ibiweb.org.

In Episode 3 of the IBI Team Podcast Series, researcher Carole Bonner shares how she bridges academic rigor with real-world business needs. From data modeling and design to grandkids and graphic storytelling, Carole reflects on the evolving role of research, the power of empathy, and how a good infographic (or a great focus group) can re-energize your work.

We chat about:

• How Carole blends data, design, and storytelling in her research
• What she's learned from diving into focus groups and field insights
• Why the best career advice she ever got was to “find the question behind the question"

In this episode of the IBI Team Podcast Series, we sit down with Zoram Blancas-Ruiz, IBI’s Director of Benchmarking & Analytics. Zoram shares his path from disability insurance to data leadership, how he’s redeveloping IBI’s benchmarking program, and why he believes collaboration and persistence are key to success.

We also talk Excel tips, pickleball, softball coaching, and what it’s like to wear many hats on a small but mighty team.

In the kickoff episode of the IBI Team Podcast Series, host Sera-Leigh Ghouralal, PhD, sits down with IBI’s Chief Operating Officer, Brandon Roberts. Brandon reflects on his career journey—from government intern to COO—and shares what it takes to lead operations, HR, and finance at a mission-driven organization like IBI.

They talk about:
✔️ The evolution of IBI’s regional meetings and annual forum
✔️ Creative strategies to improve meeting engagement
✔️ The unique team culture at IBI
✔️ Personal highlights, leadership lessons, and future goals

Whether you're part of the IBI community or just curious about what goes into building a high-performing, human-centered workplace, this episode is full of insights and energy.