ASCD
“We believe that our benefits are one of the hallmarks of the organization even in these difficult times. The benefits are really one of the last things we look at in terms of cost saving adjustments.”
– Deborah Hall-Pope, Chief Human Resources & Organizational Services Officer, ASCD
Company Facts
- Location: Alexandria, Va.
- Type of business: Professional development association for educators
- Number of employees: 199
- Founded: 1943
- Web site: www.ascd.org
Benefit highlights
- 89% - 94% employer-paid medical insurance premiums for employees and dependents
- 403(b) plan with a tiered employer match of 3% - 12%, depending on employee contribution level; average employee deferral of 8.3% percent
- 100% employer-paid premiums for short- and long-term disability insurance
Percent of employees participating in 403(b) plan: 97%
How they've continued to protect the financial security of employees in this economy: Increased the frequency of employees' one-on-one meetings with the retirement plan provider from annually to quarterly. “Employees can discuss not only where they are as far as retirement, but also in the overall financial part of their lives,” says Deborah Hall-Pope, Chief Human Resources & Organizational Services Officer, ASCD.
Other interesting facts:
- ASCD's medical rates actually decreased last year. The company shared that savings with employees by lowering their premiums.
- The company has never had a layoff for economic reasons.
- Benefits committee—made up of employees—allows employees to help shape the benefit program.
Why Judges Selected ASCD
Watch a video of comments from 10 Best judge Nevin E. Adams.
Read the transcript
“ASCD had three basic things that really helped them stand out in terms of our evaluation as judges. First off, amazingly in this current environment, they were actually able to decrease the rates on their medical premiums. You just don't hear about that anymore. That makes such a difference. You know health care is a huge concern. Paying for health care is a bigger concern. So being able to work with and actually decrease those premiums for their workers; I mean, you have to know they just got to appreciate that. Secondly, they institute an umber of automatic programs to make it easier for people to save in their retirement plans; automatic enrollment and target date funds. So again, just making it easier for people to do the right things. Secondly, why wouldn't you want to do the great things because they have a very generous 401(k) match. It goes up the more you contribute; as much as 3 percent up to 12 percent.”
— Nevin E. Adams, 10 Best judge and editor-in-chief, PLANSPONSOR Magazine, PLANSPONSOR.com, PLANADVISER Magazine
