Short-sighted views
EBA editor Elizabeth Galentine explains how to view the whole picture.
Elizabeth Galentine
Former editor-in-chief
Two breaths of fresh air
Last month, I was out on leave for a couple of weeks after reconstructive knee surgery. Since I was largely on bed rest, I was not able to drive, do chores or take care of my two little boys. I had some time on my hands for the first time in a long time, and filled it with some unexpected insights.
Online avatars and cyber concierges walk workers through benefits
Interactive tech can help an employee better understand benefits at the beginning and guide them through the program, maximizing information and engagement.
Focused fiduciary
Retirement readiness is just not a buzz word for EBAs Retirement Adviser of the Year.
Lessons from 29,029 ft.
EBA editor Elizabeth Galentine reflects on EBA Summit and what teaches you about business.
Embrace interactive technology
Using interactive applications to help plan participants.
Smartphones take wellness engagement to new levels
Smartphones are a good tool to engage employees in wellness programs but access challenges remain.
Strength in numbers
Benefits Advisors Network members rally to tackle market uncertainty says executive director of 45-member BAN.
No Barriers
Sequoia's Greg Golub is EBA's 2012 Employee Benefit Adviser of the Year.
Technology isn’t enough
EBA editor Elizabeth Galentine says how technology is not always the answer for brokers
Game on
Workout program tied to Xbox allows employees to get fit, save on health care premiums.
No Barriers
There are four words that sum up the tremendous growth experienced by San Mateo, Calif. brokerage Sequoia Benefits and Insurance Services in 2012: "Coming through for people." To Greg Golub, CEO and founder, it is that simple, and it all comes back to impeccable customer service. In a year when other firms struggled to remain solvent, Sequoia brought in 135 new clients and 50 new 401(k) plans, developed an innovative smartphone application and overhauled its online customer service portal.A client-first attitude yields tremendous growth and employee admiration for Sequoia's Greg Golub, EBA's 2012 Employee Benefit Adviser of the Year.
Transformations for all
In a profession on the brink of radical change, advisers need deeper insight, more analysis, and broader perspectives. They need actionable, timely information in the formats in which they can best absorb it. And they need it now.
Action heroes
"The whole onsite clinic thing has been a buzz the last few years," says Michael Troup, partner at Forsite Benefits.
The other wellness plan
The primary cause of stress, points out James Werner, CEO of Wealth Habit, is finances. With the average employer spending just under 9% of payroll on extended disability absences – most of which are related to stress – Werner believes an increased focus on financial wellness in the workplace has the potential to not only help employees save, but also save their employers "hundreds of thousands, or even billions, of dollars a year."
Cloud computing keeps the lights on
When Boston benefits firm Longfellow Benefits decided to elevate their technology system by converting to a cloud computing model they knew there'd be a little turbulence as they made the switch.
Convenience and cost savings found in telemedicine program
With consumer-driven health care plans increasing the out-of-pocket contribution for a growing number of employees, employers and their advisers are looking for ways to offset these costs. Consult A Doctor's telephonic program connects employees to a doctor in a matter of minutes, no office visit copay required, just a fee-for-service that is often covered by the employer.
How to successfully call on the C-suite
As the economy struggles toward a meaningful recovery, health care costs continue to rise. With these factors in play, "decisions have moved higher up in the organization," says John DeLorenzo, SVP of sales and account management for Prudential Group Insurance. "So it's not just the human resources department or the benefits department making those decisions. It's moved all the way up … into the C-suite."
Time for action
"The whole onsite clinic thing has been a buzz the last few years," says Michael Troup, partner at Forsite Benefits.
Personal responsibility
I recently returned from my first Million Dollar Round Table convention. It was one of the most inspirational shows I've ever attended. There's something to say about the attitude of successful people. Not only were the approximately 5,000 attendees a motivated and attentive bunch – even at 8 a.m. – but there was also an air of optimism about the crowd that I found to be truly refreshing.