A framework for redesigning or fine-tuning your benefit package--results from a national survey of stressful life events.

The results of a national survey of stressful life events are introduced as a useful framework for redesigning or fine-tuning corporate benefit packages to better meet employee needs, as well as to attract and retain top talent. Among the specific recommendations are (a) expanded bereavement leave, (b) hospice services, (c) employee assistance program access, (d) child care/elder care and (e) group legal services. Offering benefits that enable individuals to cope more effectively with major life event stressors is viewed as a powerful way of strengthening the psychological contract between employee and employer.