07:00 - 08:15 Breakfast and registration continues
08:15 - 08:30 Welcome
Mary Tinebra, Head of Global Outsourcing Sales & Alliances, Mercer
08:30 - 09:15 Creating a strategic enterprise sourcing strategy and governing change Outsourcing's most critical challenges in today's global economy
More than ever, the pressure is on CEOs to drive bolder - and more rapid - change into their organizations. And while business leaders are becoming increasingly knowledgeable about what they need to do to further rationalize costs, develop common business standards, and integrate their businesses on a more global basis, their challenge is executing. Phil Fersht will discuss the opportunities and challenges many of today's enterprises face when developing sourcing strategies that will afford them access to people and technology at lower costs and enable them to operate on a global scale. He will draw on the latest AMR Research on global sourcing market dynamics across both business and IT processes and discuss the crucial ingredient of developing a robust change management program that enables enterprises to succeed in a global sourcing environment.
09:15 - 10:15 Foundation of a global service model The launch of Mercer's multinational research findings developed in partnership with Harvard Business School Publishing
In today's world of global companies, with their diverse cultures and geographies, many organizations are struggling to find a global service delivery model for crucial services like HR and benefit programs. For this global service delivery model to become a reality, it's imperative that the HR outsourcing industry have a clear vision of clients' evolving needs and challenges. Over the past year Mercer, in conjunction with Harvard Business School Publishing, conducted a multinational study designed to glean first-hand insight into and knowledge of the current state of play, gaps between needs and available solutions, and expectations for leading-edge global solutions for benefits outsourcing.The launch of Mercer's multinational research findings developed in partnership with Harvard Business School Publishing.
Jeff Miller, President of mercer's Outsourcing Business
Julia Velixon, Director of Outsourcing Business Strategy, Mercer
10:15 - 10:45 Break
10:45 - 12:00 Exploratory sessions An opportunity to discuss the research findings and future solutions in greater detail.
Select one of the following exploratory workshops:
Integrating employee data on a global basis
Ensuring global governance and compliance
The challenges of global employee mobility
Creating an integrated employee self-service experience
12:00 - 13:00 Lunch
13:00 - 13:45 Many plans, many brands, one employee experience Innovative strategies to engage a diverse workforce
Although CBS has a long and established cultural history, its current corporate structure is less than two years old and comprised of diverse employee populations from legacy companies located around the world. In order to communicate the full value of the organization's comprehensive benefits program to the entire workforce, Steve Mirante, SVP of HR Specialty Services, embarked on a journey to develop a cohesive internal branding identity for CBS HR and benefits programs. Hear how he and his team employed a suite of tools - including an online HR portal and extensive print communications - to engage CBS employees, drive behavior, and boost their appreciation of the company's benefits program.
Steve Mirante, Senior Vice President of Human Resources Specialty Services - CBS Corporation
13:45 - 14:15 Employee engagement Helping employees fully appreciate their benefits (and their company)
One of the newest industry buzzwords is the concept of "employee engagement." Beyond simply HR or benefits, employee engagement refers to an overarching corporate human capital strategy designed to manage and motivate a workforce. Studies show that there is a direct correlation between engaged employees and improved service quality levels, productivity, employee retention, and financial performance. Simply put, these employees have a vested interest in the success of their company and are committed to perpetuating that success. The members of our panel will describe how they leveraged employee benefits and key education strategies to engage their employees - and the positive impact they had on their workforce.
Steve Mirante, Senior Vice President of Human Resources Specialty Services - CBS Corporation
14:30 - 15:30 Concurrent workshops (select one option) Sessions are centered upon either a Strategic, Global, or Regional theme:
STRATEGIC
Analytics and predictive modeling - A case study
Leveraging outsourcing data to inform HR policy and transformation
HR outsourcing has progressed from transactional processing activities to strategic partnership in order to improve efficiencies, reduce costs, and better support business objectives. Over the past decade, statistical methods have been increasingly utilized to help companies understand how HR policies and practices impact workforce and business outcomes in their specific environments. Leveraging HR administrative data, such methods can address questions critical to business operations. In this process, HR executives can generate a substantial return on their companies' often large investments in outsourcing and electronic information systems. This session will highlight how such an approach was implemented at UnitedHealth Group to create sustainable value for both employees and shareholders.
GLOBAL
The war for talent - An expert panel
Retaining critical resources during outsourcing transitions
When outsourcing is part of the solution, HR leaders must perform talent assessments and make difficult decisions about the staffing requirements of the retained HR organization - identifying and taking action on 1) those who will stay and be key members of the retained HR organization, and how their roles will change 2) those who will be needed to guide the transition and then will move on to other roles, 3) those who will exit the company, and 4) the new roles that require new skills/talent. Workshop participants can expect special attention to be paid to understanding "what works" with regard to retaining critical resources, taking into account that each transition is unique.
John Derse, Enterprise HR Solutions Leader, Mercer
Jim Sowers, Americas Leader, HR Effectiveness Consulting, Mercer
REGIONAL
The bundled solution continuum - An interactive dialogue
Meeting the needs of local markets
Employers who are looking to outsource their employee benefits administration are faced with the marketplace messaging of "best-in-class" versus "total retirement outsourcing" or "total benefits outsourcing". In this workshop, you will hear from HR leaders on the value of bundled solutions and why the benefits gained and solutions delivered provided the "best" outcomes for the organizations.
Gabriele Urban, Chief Expert Human Resources Future Planning, Bosch
Joakim Alm, Continental Europe Business Leader, Outsourcing, Mercer
Rich VanThournout, TBO and Health & Benefits Business Leader, Outsourcing, Mercer
15:30 - 16:00 Break
16:00 - 17:00 Concurrent workshops (select one option)
Sessions are centered upon either a Strategic, Global, or Regional theme
STRATEGIC
Expanding the view - A point of view
Why HR outsourcing always means transformation
Changes to HR structure and processes create a domino effect - for better or for worse - throughout the HR function and even the broader organization, and few changes make a greater impact on HR than outsourcing. In this workshop, two of Mercer's senior HR effectiveness consultants will explain why outsourcing should always be considered a transformational event for HR, and why plans for the retained HR function should be addressed in conjunction with plans for any outsourcing effort. They will help HR leaders understand the risks and challenges outsourcing creates for the retained HR function, and they'll provide practical advice for tackling these two major changes - outsourcing part of HR while reshaping the remaining function - simultaneously to achieve the best outcomes.
Jim Sowers, Americas Leader, HR Effectiveness Consulting, Mercer
Michael Martin, Principal, HR Effectiveness Consulting, Mercer
REGIONAL
Emerging markets - A case study
Servicing the diversity of employees across the Asia region
Rising benefits costs, diversity of cultures, and a war for talent in Asia are three key challenges faced by multinationals operating in the region. Organizations operating in the region and their HR leaders are seeking the ability to better manage these challenges by identifying effective ways to better unify the delivery of HR services and benefits through self-service technology. While driving cost efficiency of benefits delivery is a significant objective, some organizations have encountered win-win situations where employee self-service has also resulted in greater engagement through greater personalized interactions. In this workshop we will hear how companies are delivering the strategic value of employee self-service and why this is important to cater for the diversity in Asia.
David Anderson, Asia Pacific Business Leader, Outsourcing, Mercer
Gary Tok, Greater China Business Leader, Outsourcing, Mercer
HR Leader - to be confirmed
GLOBAL
A new look at global defined contribution - An interactive dialogue
New opportunities and lessons learned
The pace of change in defined contribution (401(k)) plans in the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific is rapid, but the concern is the same: Will defined contribution plans deliver retirement security? The answer and possible solutions are different from country to country. This session will explore these regional trends and how lessons learned may impact future global DC plan management opportunities and strategies.
Barbara Marder, Global DC Consulting Leader, Mercer
17:00 - 18:30 Break
18:30 - 19:30 Cocktail reception
19:30 Guest speaker followed by dinner Wisdom of the ages with Mark Shields
Mark Shields will share first-hand accounts and impressions of the current state of Washington politics and the 2008 election. With a career spanning eight presidents, Mark Shields is one of the most respected analysts in Washington, a pundit whose experience and encyclopedic knowledge of politics combine for one of the most trusted bylines in journalism. A syndicated columnist for more than 25 years, he has been deemed "A Walking Almanac of American Politics" by The Washington Post.
Friday 19 September
07:30 - 08:15 Breakfast
08:15 - 08:30 Welcome back, recap of day one and setting the context for day two
Mary Tinebra, Head of Global Outsourcing Sales & Alliances, Mercer
08:30 - 09:15 The latest industry developments
Innovation in outsourcing.
We've all heard it, "If you aren't strategic, HR will get outsourced!" Join Jason Averbook, CEO of strategic advisory consulting firm Knowledge Infusion, as he shares a compelling view of how outsourcing can be embraced as a critical and strategic part of your HR technology plan. Based on real-world experience of working with more than 170 leading enterprises and vendors, Jason will share best practices and trends, and help you understand how outsourcing plays a part in digital and emerging technology. He'll discuss how to identify where outsourcing can impact your business, and highlight the importance of maintaining a unified employee experience for outsourced, hosted, on-demand, and in-house applications.
Jason Averbook, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder, Knowledge Infusion
09:15 - 10:00 Strategies to find efficiencies
A journey through outsourcing
Many organizations are seeking ways to lower costs while improving service and productivity. American Airlines faces numerous challenges including rising fuel costs, increased competition, federal regulations, and direct cost pressures on their operating groups. To help solve these challenges, American Airlines decided to analyze its current delivery model and create action plans to transform its human resources organization to become more strategic. In this session, we will discuss how American Airlines worked through these challenges and designed a new outsourcing delivery model that will allow the retained organizations to provide greater strategic focus on business-aligned initiatives and support the future and changing business priorities. This strategy relies on the technology and expertise of American's outsourcing service providers to achieve and sustain these long-term goals.
David Levine, Managing Director of Human Resources Delivery, American Airlines
Philip Tenenbaum, Principal, Mercer
Monty Baker, VP Global BTO HR Solutions, IBM
10:00 - 10:15 Break
10:15 - 11:15 Concurrent workshops (select one option) Sessions are centered upon either a Strategic, Global, or Regional theme
STRATEGIC
Mergers and acquisitions - A case study
Developing a mutually beneficial approach to transition
This session will explore how an outsourcing arrangement can ease the transition of services during a merger and acquisition. Hear how Spirit AeroSystems, Inc., the largest independent aerostructure company in the world, transitioned from a division of a $67 billion dollar company, Boeing Corporation, to an independent $4 billion company in six months. Samantha Marnick, Vice President Labor Relations & Workforce Strategy, will share her experience with the challenges and opportunities in establishing a new culture, creating an organizational structure, implementing an HR service delivery model, negotiating with the unions, and developing and implementing a HR strategy.
GLOBAL
Legislative perspective - An expert panel
A trip around the world
A review of the current legislative landscape around the globe including a closer look at how the 2008 US presidential election may impact benefits administration and the workplace environment.
Harry Conaway, Washington Resource Group, Mercer
Geoff Manville, Washington Resource Group, Mercer
REGIONAL
Evolution in retirement plans - An interactive dialogue
Preparing participants for a secure retirement
With an increasing number of employers eliminating or freezing their DB plans, there has been a marked shift over the past few years toward DC plans as the primary employer-sponsored retirement savings vehicle. Likewise, the responsibility for retirement saving has shifted from employers to employees. And while the DB plan can still play an important role in companies' benefit programs, the increased reliance on DC plans creates new challenges for both employers and employees. This session will discuss these and other evolving challenges facing employers as they try to help employees save enough for retirement as well as make their savings last during the spend-down phase.
Eric Levy, Retirement Business Leader, Outsourcing, Mercer
11:15 - 11:45 Break
11:45 - 12:45 Concurrent workshops (select one option)
Sessions are centered upon either a Strategic, Global, or Regional theme
STRATEGIC
Creating a successful outsourcing relationship - An expert panel
Considering all the important factors
Whether your benefits are currently outsourced or if you are considering an outsourcing arrangement there are many important factors to consider from the selection of a service delivery model to how to best navigate an outsourcing contract and governance model. This workshop will review key criteria and due diligence procedures that organizations should assess to ensure a successful outsourced arrangement. This panel will be facilitated by three industry experts who work with clients day-to-day managing and implementing ongoing outsourcing relationships.
Jamie Curcio, Partner, Curcio-Webb Michael Hager, President, Hager Strategic
Tony Herron, Partner, TPI Global Human Resources Practice.
GLOBAL
Service delivery and strategy - A case study
Establishing a scalable, streamlined, and effective delivery model for the compensation function
This panel will present a case study for how one organization, growing through acquisitions, took a strategic approach to managing and delivering compensation through outsourcing with a global HR partner. During this session, we will explore how our client improved operational efficiencies by scaling their compensation service capacity to meet changing business needs. We will discuss how the organization developed a more strategic and streamlined approach for the compensation function by augmenting its staff with outside resources at peak periods, implementing leadingedge technology, leveraging specialized human capital capabilities, and establishing global consistencies.
Kim Seals, Global Business Leader, Compensation Co-sourcing, Mercer
HR leader - to be confirmed
REGIONAL
Well workers - An interactive dialogue
Promoting wellness and health care consumerism
As health care costs continue to climb, employers look for innovative ways to promote wellness and consumerism. The right administration platform, tools, communications and incentive campaign can be critical components in helping reduce costs and manage employee health care. This panel will explore how two companies, promoted consumerism and wellness, their assessment of the outcomes, and the incentive programs that were part of their strategy for results.
Kathleen Brooke, US Benefits Director, Global Benefits Team, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP
Gwen Rodriguez, Director of Benefits, Dean Foods Company
Rich VanThournout, TBO and Health & Benefits Business Leader, Outsourcing, Mercer
12:45 - 14:00 The new rules of global talent
Food for thought
Organizations are struggling with a broad range of globalization opportunities and challenges. Global demand for skilled workers grows as market pressures and demographic shifts influence the supply and quality of labor around the world. New market opportunities, new business models and changing workforce demographics create a set of "new rules" that govern how companies "go global." Using interactive technology we will draw together the major themes from the conference and elicit your input on how companies move through this journey.
Pat Milligan, Chief Markets Officer, Mercer
14:00 - 14:30 Wrap up and thank you
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