MEMPHIS, Tenn., Jan. 8, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Sedgwick, the largest North American provider of technology-enabled claims and productivity management solutions, today published "Foresight for '14," which outlines the top seven trends employers need to watch in 2014.

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"Throughout 2014 Sedgwick will continue to support employers by helping them navigate known and emerging market concerns that pose both broad and unique challenges," said David A. North, president and CEO of Sedgwick. "We are committed to providing thought leadership for the issues that will cause the most concern for employers and the industry at large. Each year we help our clients prepare for difficult changes, look for new ways to control costs and ultimately help to improve claim outcomes."

The trends that Sedgwick's subject matter experts believe will most significantly affect employers this year include:

1. Workforce leveragingIt is vital that employers find ways to leverage their workforce for maximum productivity, and those that take a holistic view of employee health – physical, emotional and financial – will likely experience the greatest success in 2014.
2. Diversity mattersEmployers should consider the implications of an increasingly diverse workforce – both culturally and demographically – in developing strategies to best meet their unique needs.
3. Advancements in medical careTechnological advancements in health care delivery are expected to increase rapidly throughout the year. Employers need to stay up to date on new treatment methods and consider the potential positive and negative impact. 
4. Industry evolutionEmployers must raise their collective voice to continue the momentum of legislative reform and influence broader industry change by redefining quality and attracting the next generation of risk and benefits professionals.
5. Predicting future healthRising health care costs, increased demand for medical care and rapid improvements in technology will lead to a growing interest in predicting future health through scientific and technology-enabled advancements.
6. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) Understanding the impact of the ACA on workers' benefits will be an ongoing focus for employers as employees compete with newly insured individuals for treatment from the same limited number of medical providers.
7. Big data and embedded technologyArmed with access to real-time data and integrated information management models, employers can quickly identify areas of opportunity and make informed business decisions.

"We look forward to making a positive impact in 2014 by continuing to embrace technology, redefine quality, influence legislative changes through activism, prepare for the impact of the Affordable Care Act and much more," North said. "We are pleased to serve the needs of America's employers and to continue the conversation on these important issues."

To learn more about "Foresight for '14," visit www.sedgwick.com/foresightfor14 or follow the Sedgwick blog "Connection" at blog.sedgwick.com.

About Sedgwick Sedgwick Claims Management Services, Inc. is the leading North American provider of technology-enabled claims and productivity management solutions. Sedgwick and its affiliated companies deliver cost-effective claims, productivity, managed care, risk consulting, and other services to clients through the expertise of more than 11,000 colleagues in some 200 offices located in the U.S. The company specializes in workers' compensation; disability, FMLA, and other employee absence; managed care; general, automobile, and professional liability; warranty and credit card claims services; fraud and investigation; structured settlements; and Medicare compliance solutions. Sedgwick and its affiliates design and implement customized programs based on proven practices and advanced technology that exceed client expectations. For more, see www.sedgwick.com.

Sedgwick media contact Catherine Bennett, public relations director, 615-892-9361, catherine.bennett@sedgwick.com.  

SOURCE Sedgwick

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