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ADP Learning Academy

This is a benefits-focused course for anyone interested in pursuing a career regarding financial protection, growth and assistance programs that a company may offer as part of the benefits strategy. You’ll explore finance-related programs common in many total rewards strategies, like insurance plans designed to protect employees’ finances. Then, you’ll evaluate growth and equity programs, with particular focus on the features of 401(k) and employee stock purchase plans (ESPP). Finally, you’ll learn about a growing rewards area – educational cost assistance. In the end, you’ll update and finalize the employee communication piece for the fictional company, Blue Space Tech Performance Group that you started in the Benefits: Health, Wellness, Work, and Lifestyle course.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1: Financial Protection Plans
The first module in this course looks at benefit options employers might choose to protect the financial well-being of their employees and the value this strategy provides to both the employer and employees. You’ll take a closer look at sick, disability, and leave options and at life, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), and critical illness insurance. Finally, you’ll explore some of the typical administrative tasks and the metrics used to evaluate the success of these types of programs. Once complete, you’ll have an imputed income worksheet and scenario responses to add to your project portfolio.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides insights into financial protection plans, essential for benefits administration
Develops a comprehensive understanding of financial growth and equity programs, vital for employee compensation
Focuses on the intricacies of 401(k) and employee stock purchase plans, valuable knowledge for compensation and benefits analysts
Examines emerging trends in educational assistance programs, important for HR professionals and benefits administrators
Taught by ADP Learning Academy, reputable instructors in human resources and benefits management
Requires some foundational knowledge in benefits administration, may not be suitable for complete beginners

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Reviews summary

Benefits: financial protection & growth essentials

According to students, this course offers a practical and career-focused exploration of various employee benefits. Learners appreciate its coverage of financial protection plans like insurance, and detailed insights into financial growth programs such as 401(k) and Employee Stock Purchase Plans (ESPP). The curriculum also delves into educational assistance programs, providing a comprehensive overview of total rewards strategies. Many find the inclusion of administrative tasks and success metrics particularly valuable for aspiring Compensation and Benefits Analysts. The hands-on projects, including 401(k) calculations and updating communication pieces, are seen as crucial for practical application, making it a solid step in understanding comprehensive employee benefits.
Builds on previous courses and helps complete a larger project.
"This course seamlessly continues the work started in the Benefits: Health, Wellness, Work, and Lifestyle course."
"I found the project of updating the Blue Space Tech Performance Group FAQ ties everything together nicely."
"It's good to know this fits into a broader curriculum for a more complete understanding."
Aimed specifically at careers in Compensation and Benefits analysis.
"This course is ideal for anyone pursuing a career in HR benefits or total rewards."
"I feel better prepared for roles requiring knowledge of employee financial programs."
"It connects directly to the skills needed as a Compensation and Benefits Analyst."
Offers a broad look at essential financial protection and growth plans.
"I appreciated the depth given to both insurance plans and the intricacies of 401(k) programs."
"The modules on ESPP and educational assistance filled gaps in my understanding of total rewards."
"The course outlines various types of benefits, making it a solid foundation for new professionals."
Emphasizes real-world administrative tasks and calculations.
"I found the 401(k) calculations and imputed income worksheet extremely helpful for real-world scenarios."
"This course directly applies to what HR professionals do daily, especially with benefit program administration."
"It's great to have hands-on projects that demonstrate actual skills needed in the field."
Financial content may require frequent updates due to policy changes.
"I wonder if some of the tax implications for 401(k)s or ESPPs could change over time, requiring updates."
"While comprehensive, I wished for slightly more in-depth analysis of regulatory nuances in some modules."
"The course provides a good overview, but advanced learners might seek more specialized content."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Benefits: Financial Protection, Growth & Assistance with these activities:
Attend industry webinars or conferences
Participate in industry-related events to connect with professionals, stay updated on trends, and expand your knowledge beyond the course materials.
Browse courses on Professional Development
Show steps
  • Identify relevant webinars or conferences
  • Register and attend the events
  • Network with attendees and speakers
Review financial planning techniques
Refresh your understanding of basic financial planning concepts and techniques to better grasp the course materials.
Browse courses on Financial Planning
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  • Review compound interest calculations
  • Explore different investment vehicles
  • Understand risk tolerance and diversification strategies
Explore best practices in benefits communication
Follow online tutorials or resources to learn effective techniques for communicating benefits information to employees, ensuring they understand and appreciate their value.
Browse courses on Communication Strategies
Show steps
  • Research different communication channels
  • Develop clear and concise messages
  • Measure the effectiveness of your communications
Five other activities
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Design an employee benefits package
Create a sample employee benefits package that aligns with the principles learned in the course, demonstrating your understanding of the various benefits and their impact on employee satisfaction.
Browse courses on Employee Benefits
Show steps
  • Research industry benchmarks and best practices
  • Identify relevant benefits based on employee demographics
  • Calculate costs and assess affordability
Discuss case studies with fellow learners
Engage in discussions with other learners to analyze real-life scenarios, exchange perspectives, and deepen your understanding of benefits strategies.
Browse courses on Case Studies
Show steps
  • Review case studies and prepare talking points
  • Participate in online or in-person discussions
  • Summarize key learnings and insights
Analyze employee benefits data
Practice analyzing employee benefits data to identify trends, assess program effectiveness, and make informed decisions.
Browse courses on Data Analysis
Show steps
  • Collect and organize data from various sources
  • Use statistical methods to analyze data
  • Generate reports and present findings
Develop a presentation on financial literacy
Prepare a presentation that simplifies and explains key financial concepts and strategies, demonstrating your ability to distill complex information for others.
Browse courses on Financial Literacy
Show steps
  • Research and gather information from reliable sources
  • Organize and structure your presentation logically
  • Use visuals and examples to make concepts relatable
Contribute to open-source projects in HR or benefits
Make meaningful contributions to open-source projects related to HR or benefits, showcasing your technical skills and passion for the field.
Browse courses on Community Involvement
Show steps
  • Identify relevant open-source projects
  • Review project documentation and codebase
  • Implement new features or fix bugs

Career center

Learners who complete Benefits: Financial Protection, Growth & Assistance will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 39 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Benefits: Financial Protection, Growth & Assistance.
Considered a classic and a must-read in the field, this reader provides a comprehensive overview of key theoretical approaches and essential writings in disability studies. It is commonly used as a textbook in academic institutions and is invaluable for both gaining a broad understanding and deepening knowledge across various disciplines related to disability. The most recent editions include contemporary perspectives.
A must-read for understanding the development of disability studies as a field. provides a strong foundation by arguing for disability as a social and political identity. It is essential for students and professionals seeking to understand the shift from a medical to a social model of disability.
Delves into contemporary topics by exploring the concept of disability justice, particularly centering the experiences of queer, trans, Black, and brown disabled people. It provides a deeper understanding of the intersections of disability with other social justice movements. This is valuable for advanced undergraduate and graduate students interested in critical disability studies and activism.
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Offers a broad historical understanding of disability in the United States, tracing its evolution and the experiences of disabled people through different eras. It provides essential background knowledge for anyone studying disability from a historical or social science perspective.
Provides a historical account of the disability rights movement in the United States, highlighting the activism and efforts of disabled people in fighting for their rights. It classic text for understanding the history and political struggles of the disability community.
Provides a historical account of discriminatory laws that prohibited people with apparent disabilities from appearing in public. It offers a deep understanding of the historical roots of ableism and segregation. This classic text for understanding the history of disability rights and discrimination.
Crucial read for understanding the international disability rights movement and the concept of self-advocacy. It provides a historical and global perspective on disability oppression and the fight for empowerment. It valuable resource for students and activists alike.
Provides a comprehensive overview of risk management and insurance, covering fundamental concepts and various types of insurance, including life insurance. It is widely used as a textbook in academic institutions and offers a strong foundation for understanding the role of insurance in personal and business contexts. This book is highly valuable for gaining broad understanding and serves as a useful reference tool.
Examines the concept of 'cure' and its implications from a disability perspective. It offers a critical look at societal attitudes towards disability and the desire to 'fix' disabled bodies. This valuable read for deepening understanding of the social and ethical dimensions of disability.
Focused specifically on life insurance planning, this book delves into the various products and strategies used by financial and estate planners. It covers both fundamental and advanced topics, making it suitable for those looking to deepen their understanding and professionals seeking a comprehensive reference. The latest edition includes updates on regulatory changes and newer product designs.
Dives into a contemporary topic by examining ableism within the context of higher education. It is highly relevant for students and professionals in education and highlights systemic barriers faced by disabled individuals in academic settings.
Delves into the theoretical underpinnings of disability studies, offering a more advanced exploration of key concepts and debates within the field. It is suitable for graduate-level students and researchers seeking to deepen their theoretical understanding of disability.
A recent publication that engages with contemporary topics and future possibilities from a disability justice perspective. It offers insights into building resilient communities and imagining a more inclusive future. is valuable for those interested in the ongoing evolution of disability activism and theory.
This collection explores contemporary topics by analyzing the intersection of disability and design history. It provides a unique perspective on how designed objects and spaces shape understandings of ability and disability. is valuable for those interested in the material culture and historical context of disability.
Focuses on the impact of technology and digital transformation on the insurance industry, including emerging business models and customer engagement. It is highly relevant for understanding contemporary topics in life insurance and how technology is shaping the future of the industry.
Explores the portrayal of disability in fairy tales and its impact on cultural perceptions. It offers a unique perspective on how narratives shape our understanding of disability and the importance of creating space for disabled characters and stories. This valuable read for understanding cultural representations of disability.
Addresses the immediate technological trends in the insurance industry, specifically the role of artificial intelligence in areas like risk assessment, pricing, and claims handling. It provides insights into a key contemporary topic affecting life insurance operations.
Offers professional-level information on analyzing the financial health of insurance companies. It is highly relevant for those interested in the financial and regulatory aspects of the life insurance industry, providing a framework for assessing financial well-being.
Offers a concise and accessible introduction to the topic of disability, suitable for gaining a broad understanding. It covers key concepts and historical context, making it a good starting point for those new to the field. It's helpful for providing background or prerequisite knowledge.
This memoir offers a personal and accessible entry into understanding the experience of living with a disability. It provides a broad understanding through relatable anecdotes and reflections on everyday life, ableism, and self-worth. It good supplementary read for gaining personal perspective.
Examines the disruptive forces of technology, changing demographics, and investment in the insurance industry. It offers insights into contemporary challenges and future trends impacting life insurance.
This book, while focusing on cultural clashes in healthcare, offers a powerful case study that highlights issues relevant to disability, particularly regarding medical understanding, cultural beliefs, and communication. It can deepen understanding of the complexities faced by individuals with disabilities and their families within healthcare systems.
This handbook comprehensive resource on employee benefits, including group life insurance. It is valuable for understanding the design and administration of employee benefit programs and the role of life insurance within them.
Provides an accessible guide to both risk management and insurance, covering fundamental concepts and the private insurance market. It analyzes various branches and products of private insurance and useful reference for students and practitioners interested in the intersection of risk and insurance.
Focuses on financial reporting for insurance companies under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). It specialized resource for understanding the accounting and financial aspects of life insurance companies in a global context.
Is designed for consumers and provides clear answers to common questions about life insurance. It's an excellent resource for gaining a basic understanding of life insurance concepts and is particularly helpful for those new to the topic or looking to understand the consumer perspective.
This handbook serves as a practical reference tool for understanding disability rights, benefits, and services, primarily within the UK context. While specific to the UK, it provides a concrete example of the legal and policy frameworks surrounding disability, which can be useful for comparative studies or understanding the practical implications of disability rights advocacy.
This text focuses on retirement planning and employee benefits, areas where life insurance plays a significant role. It covers various retirement savings vehicles and employee benefit plans, providing context for the application of life insurance in these areas.
Explores the intersection of behavioral economics and insurance, providing insights into how individuals make decisions about insurance. It is relevant for understanding consumer behavior in the life insurance market.
Offers a broad look at the insurance industry, including terminology, different insurance types, legal aspects, and underwriting. It's a good resource for professionals and individuals seeking to understand the factors that affect policyholders and companies.
Provides an overview of the legal and regulatory landscape of the insurance business. It is relevant for understanding the legal framework within which life insurance operates and is suitable for advanced students and professionals.
Provides an introduction to all aspects of financial planning, including insurance planning and risk management. It serves as a foundational text for understanding how life insurance fits into a broader financial strategy and is often used in academic programs.
Explores strategies for using cash value life insurance as a financial tool for wealth building and tax-free income. It presents a specific perspective on life insurance for financial planning purposes.
Written from the perspective of a CPA, this book addresses common questions and concerns about life insurance, particularly its role in financial planning. It can be helpful for understanding the financial implications of life insurance policies.
Covers the basics of life insurance, risk management, and related topics like health and micro-insurance, with a focus on the Indian business perspective. It includes case studies and review questions, making it suitable as a textbook for gaining a foundational understanding.
Aims to debunk common myths and misconceptions about life insurance from a consumer perspective. It good resource for individuals looking to understand the value and proper use of life insurance for wealth building and protection.

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