- How (why) did David P. Lind Benchmark (DPLB) identify a need for a yearly Iowa Employer Benefits Study©?
- What is the working relationship between DPLB and Data Point Research?
- Who pays for the Survey?
- Who is the target audience for the survey?
- As an Iowa employer, how can I use the DPLB Study most effectively?
- How will information gleaned from the DPLB Study benefit my organization?
- Can your target audience submit questions or recommendations for use in future surveys?
- If my company is selected as part of the random sampling, how does the survey process work?
- Are the employer benefits you measure from both the private and public sectors?
- How often do you conduct a survey?
- What makes the DPLB Study different from other surveys?
- How does the Iowa Employment Values Study© differ from the Iowa Employer Benefits Study©?
- In what types of projects has David P. Lind Benchmark been involved?
- Is DPLB available to present trends to my company?
1. How (why) did David P. Lind Benchmark (DPLB) identify a need for a yearly Iowa Employer Benefits Study©?
We began this study once we learned that Iowa employers had virtually no local benefits data that was consistently generated in a meaningful and trusted manner. Our clients were asking for local comparison data with which to benchmark their benefit offerings…for competitive purposes. After undertaking our first study in 1999, it became very evident to us that Iowa employers wanted and needed this information on a frequent basis.
2. What is the working relationship between DPLB and Data Point Research?
David P. Lind hired Data Point Research (DPR) in 1999 to provide the statistical methodology and integrity for all research performed. DPR is an independent contractor of DPLB.
3. Who pays for the Survey?
The total cost of this Study is paid by DPLB. However, in the 2012 Study, The Healthier Workforce Center for Excellence (University of Iowa College of Public Health) has underwritten the cost of the “Wellness Initiative” module.
4. Who is the target audience for the survey?
First and foremost, the purpose of this study is to help educate and inform Iowa employers, regardless of size and industry. In addition, the Iowa Employer Benefits Study© has proven to be a key resource for policy makers in Iowa. Finally, many trends that come from this annual report continue to be of great interest to the general public.
5. As an Iowa employer, how can I use the DPLB Study most effectively?
Iowa employers can use this study in two very important ways. First, employers can compare results from this ever-evolving study to their own benefit offerings, and make the necessary strategic decisions to alter their benefits to maintain a competitive position within the Iowa employment marketplace. Second, the results of this study can be a very effective tool to use when conveying the competitiveness of benefits offered by employers to their employees and potential employees. Employers appreciate having access to scientifically-based research that is credible, reliable and objective.
6. How will information gleaned from the DPLB Study benefit my organization?
Each year, we use scientific methodologies to acquire highly reliable data in which to compare your employee benefit offerings.
By completing the Lindex® benefits questionnaire and inputting the employee benefits you now offer, you’ll be able to accurately compare your coverage to the results found within the most current Iowa Employer Benefits Study©.
Visit with your authorized-benefits consultant to develop your Lindex score. If your consultant does not currently participate with the Lindex program, have them contact DPLB to learn how!
7. Can your target audience submit questions or recommendations for use in future surveys?
Absolutely! Within our website, employers can submit their questions and recommendations to David P. Lind Benchmark. We welcome this ongoing dialogue with employers, because it can only make future studies even more relevant in the Iowa marketplace!
8. If my company is selected as part of the random sampling, how does the survey process work?
The survey process is VERY simple! Instructions are provided with the invitation, in addition to a unique password that can only be used by your organization. The feedback that we receive from past participants has always been very positive. The survey process usually takes about 20 to 25 minutes to complete.
9. Are the employer benefits you measure from both the private and public sectors?
Yes. We believe that including both sectors will provide a fair representation of the marketplace in Iowa. It is important for employers in one sector to understand what type of benefits are being offered by the other sector.
10. How often do you conduct a survey?
Due to sheer cost and marketplace dynamics, employee benefits evolve frequently, requiring our study to be conducted annually. Annual studies also allow David P. Lind Benchmark to monitor existing and emerging trends within the Iowa marketplace. With this said, the 2020 survey was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the 2021 survey process is being assessed on whether it will be pursued or not.
11. What makes the DPLB Study different from other surveys?
Now in its’ sixteenth year, the Iowa Employer Benefits Study© has been conducted since 1999! Given this longevity, major trends emerge and provide Iowa organizations and policymakers important information when making decisions for the future. This study is the only study undertaken in Iowa that is scientifically-based, providing both reliable and credible information that is simply not found elsewhere in Iowa!
13. How does the Iowa Employment Values Study© differ from the Iowa Employer Benefits Study©?
The Iowa Employment Values Study© was undertaken only during 2007 to learn about the perceptions of Iowa employees regarding their jobs. The results will provide you with a practical overview of the most common workplace values desired by employees broken down into various employee demographics. Understanding common misaligned employee/employer values can provide you with some basic principles when assessing your own workplace environment. Within this particular study, the perceived value of employee benefits was also evaluated by employees and their supervisors.
15. In what types of projects has David P. Lind Benchmark been involved?
State of Iowa – DPLB performed background research on the Iowa marketplace to assess the establishment of an Iowa-based insurance exchange, as outlined in the Affordable Care Act.
Capital Crossroads – on behalf of the Greater Des Moines Partnership, DPLB undertook a state-wide study to determine the extent Iowa employers are embracing wellness program initiatives. This study complements the Healthiest State initiative for the State of Iowa.
Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) – DPLB developed benchmark information on employee benefits based on the specifications required by IEDA.
Healthier Workforce Center for Excellence (University of Iowa College of Public Health) – DPLB surveyed Iowa employers on workplace safety measures.
16. Is DPLB available to present trends to my company?
DPLB is happy to discuss how we can assist you and your organization in the presentation of information from the Study, however, we are not employee benefits brokers or consultants. If you are interested in having us present this information, please contact David P. Lind Benchmark.
