IBI's Research Roundup

Return-to-Work That Works: Evidence-Based Strategies to Bring Employees Back and Help Them Stay

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.

The Working Caregiver :Strain and Work Productivity Loss

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.

Modern Absence Management: From Paper Chasing to Predictive Solutions

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.

AI in Absence Management—How Data Is Transforming HR and Benefits

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.

Mind the Gap: Why Mental Health Benefits Only Work When Employees Use Them

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.