April 4, 2011 is National Employee Benefits day, acknowledging trustees, administrators, corporate benefits practitioners and professional advisors for their dedication to providing quality benefits and the important role they play in their colleagues' well-being. TheInternational Foundation of Employee Benefit Plansencourages you to use today to evaluate your current communication efforts and to take time to educate your employees on the valuable benefits you offer.

MetLife's annualstudyof employee benefits trends found that employers' top three benefits objectives include the following:

• Controlling health and benefit costs
• Retaining employees
• Increasing employee productivity

Since employee lifestyle choices contribute significantly to healthcare costs, disability costs and productivity, many employers continue to offer employees wellness programs.

Today, recognize yourself and your colleagues for all your hard work and dedication. How will you celebrate National Employee Benefits day?