IBI's Research Roundup

Sera-Leigh Ghouralal, PhD

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"Research Roundup" presented by Integrated Benefits Institute is a podcast hosted by Dr. Sera-Leigh Ghouralal, that explores the latest trends and research in employee health, well-being, and workplace productivity. Each episode offers insightful analyses and actionable takeaways to help employers, benefits consultants, and vendors stay informed and ahead of the curve.

12/04/2025

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.

11 min
11/21/2025

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.

9 min
11/17/2025

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.

8 min
11/10/2025

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.

9 min
10/03/2025

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 statusWhy non-binary employees report some of the most concerning wellbeing scoresHow company size changes the equation for ROIPractical steps employers can take to drive engagement, awareness, and equityThe 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.

9 min
05/23/2025

Blending Stats and Storytelling: Carole Bonner on Research with Heart

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 researchWhat she's learned from diving into focus groups and field insightsWhy the best career advice she ever got was to “find the question behind the question"

31 min
05/16/2025

New Platforms, Old School Values: Zoram Blancas-Ruiz on Data and Determination

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.

16 min
05/08/2025

Operational Wisdom: Brandon Roberts on People, Process, and Progress

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.

32 min
01/23/2025

Latest Workplace Research: DEI Impact, Health Disparities, and Remote Work Challenges

Discover groundbreaking new workplace research revealing how DEI statements affect hiring outcomes, medical cannabis laws reduce insurance premiums, and remote work creates unique challenges for working parents. Learn how income inequality influences financial behavior, why disability status affects retirement withdrawals, and how workplace hazards disproportionately impact minority communities. Join IBI's Research Roundup podcast for expert analysis on creating healthier, more equitable workplaces in today's evolving business landscape.

11 min
11/12/2024

Workplace Trends: Anti-Obesity Meds, Job Insecurity, and Hybrid Work Insights

Explore some of the latest cutting-edge workplace research with IBI's Research Roundup. Discover how anti-obesity medications impact cardiovascular health, the effects of job insecurity on employee well-being, and evolving preferences for hybrid work. Gain valuable insights on leadership during crises and potential healthcare cost savings for employers. Essential listening for HR professionals, benefits managers, and business leaders focused on enhancing employee health, productivity, and organizational performance in today's dynamic work environment.

8 min
10/02/2024

Workplace Health Insights: Obesity Costs, Remote Leadership, and Health Insurance Trends

Dive into the latest workplace health research with IBI's Research Roundup. Explore how obesity affects employee productivity, the impact of leadership on remote work success, and future health insurance trends. Gain valuable insights on managing chronic conditions, fostering inclusivity, and implementing new technologies in the workplace. Essential listening for HR professionals and business leaders aiming to enhance employee well-being and organizational performance.

11 min
08/09/2024

Insights on Recruitment Ghosting, Obesity Management, Workplace Health and more

This episode covers research on ghosting in recruitment, cost-effective obesity management, workplace factors affecting back pain, and the link between gynecological conditions and mental health. Tune in for key insights to boost employee well-being and productivity.

9 min

12 Episodes

"Research Roundup" presented by Integrated Benefits Institute is a podcast hosted by Dr. Sera-Leigh Ghouralal, that explores the latest trends and research in employee health, well-being, and workplace productivity. Each episode offers insightful analyses and actionable takeaways to help employers, benefits consultants, and vendors stay informed and ahead of the curve.

Creator

Sera-Leigh Ghouralal, PhD
Episodes

12
Rating

Clean
Copyright

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IBI's Research Roundup