IBI's Research Roundup
"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.
Episodes
12 episodes
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 m...
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 ...
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, a...
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 experi...
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<...
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 rol...
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 pr...
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 ...
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 infl...
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 hybri...
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 managi...
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-...