As employers continue to face rising health care and benefits costs, Marsh, the world's leading insurance broker and risk advisor, will hold a one-hour Webcast, Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 11 a.m. (ET) on making the most of your employee benefits budget.

"With employers driving to improve performance in the face of economic headwinds, the need to address rising health care and other benefits costs looms large," said Greg Arms, leader of Marsh's Global Employee Benefits Practice. "While businesses strive to contain costs, they continue to view their benefits program as a key tool for recruitment and retention, as well as for improving employee productivity."

Panelists for the Webcast will discuss current issues in health care benefits, the economics of employee loyalty, and strategies to contain overall employee benefits costs, including the role of tools such as total absence management. In addition to Mr. Arms, the panelists include: Kerry Finnegan, leader of Mercer's U.S. Health & Benefits Advisory & Enterprise Practice; Christopher Covill, a managing director of Marsh's U.S. Consumer Division; Tom Ryan, a managing director of Marsh's Risk Consulting practice; Glenn Shapiro, vice president of Claims, Group Benefits Division, Hartford Life; and Jonathan Picoult, partner, Watermark Consulting.

Brian Elowe, a managing director of the Global Risk Management Division of Marsh, will serve as moderator.

The Webcast and its replay are free of charge.