Controlling the spiralling cost of benefits schemes is top of the agenda for multinational organisations.
According to Towers Perrin's Worldwide Benefits Management Survey 2004, 98% of companies cited the expense of benefits as a major concern.
Pension liabilities also loomed large with employers, with 87% saying this was a key issue.
Some 86% said that attracting and retaining key talent was a worry and 85% said that managing healthcare was a concern.
The poll, which surveyed 134 organisations from across the globe, also found that HR departments continue to play a leading part in setting the benefits agenda - they dominate the decisions in three quarters of companies. Just 2% of organisations said that business leadership dictates benefits objectives.
However, the finance department is starting to assume some power. Of the 37% of respondents that said the influence among corporate functions has shifted, finance has most commonly taken over (45%).
Respondents said that the most popular way to communicate benefits is via email.
• Towers Perrin's Worldwide benefits management survey is available online at www.towersperrin.com/hrservices
