My career in employee benefits began nearly 20 years ago. After returning from maternity leave with my twins, I accepted an administrator position that became the foundation of my benefits journey. What started as a meaningful way to reenter the workforce soon grew into a true passion. That role marked the beginning of a rewarding career.
The industry has evolved immensely. On the positive side, employees continue to see benefits as a true extension of their compensation and are more vocal about what they need — whether that’s mental health support, access to innovative treatments or family resources. My favorite responses are generated from our employee surveys and pulse checks; they are always insightful. There has also been a welcome shift toward holistic well-being, with programs that support not just health, but also financial wellness, family building and caregiving.
On the other hand, rising costs and intense pharmaceutical marketing have created pressure — with employees often requesting the newest drugs they see advertised, even when effective alternatives already exist. At the same time, the growing number of options, while valuable, can create confusion. The complexity of navigating different plans and resources can feel overwhelming, making proper education and communication more important than ever.
I do so by ensuring our benefit offerings truly prioritize the needs of our employees and their families. We take time to understand not only what they need, but also what they value, so we can offer a comprehensive package that supports them both personally
and professionally. We regularly invite feedback through new hire check-ins, Benefit Pulse and our annual employee engagement survey to help guide and strengthen our employee benefit strategy roadmap. By focusing on their well-being and making sure they feel heard and cared for, we allow employees to concentrate fully on delivering the best possible experience for our residents.
Our commitment goes beyond a standard health and well-being plan; we’re intentional about creating solutions that truly reflect the needs of our people. For example, when we saw a higher percentage of participants managing diabetes, prediabetes and cardiovascular concerns, we introduced proactive initiatives aimed at improving early outcomes before those conditions could progress. We’ve also added a scalable bone and joint digital solution that gives employees access to early intervention and support. By combining broad resources with individualized care, we’re creating a well-rounded strategy that truly fosters the overall well-being of our employees and loved ones.
Employers Health is the catalyst for a multitude of enhancements for our organization through our relationship with CVS; it’s exceedingly difficult to choose just one. First, PrudentRx plays a critical role by significantly reducing out-of-pocket costs for specialty medications. This is incredibly valuable as drugs with this label are often expensive but necessary to maintain quality of life. PrudentRx helps employees access these medications at little to no cost, even when manufacturer copay isn’t available. This not only alleviates financial stress but also ensures employees can maintain the treatments they need without interruption. What’s especially impactful is the personalized support specialists who guide employees through the program, making the whole experience smooth.
Then, we have ScriptSync, which adds real convenience by synchronizing prescription refills. For employees juggling multiple medications, this means fewer trips to the pharmacy and more organized medication management. It’s a simple service, but one that really improves adherence and reduces hassle. We’ve been truly impressed with our Employers Health relationship, and we’re only on year two!
Staying on top of benefit trends can feel overwhelming at times, but our team makes it a priority to stay informed so we can support our employees and organization effectively. Along with the guidance we receive through our broker, we really enjoy Employers Health’s EH Connect magazine and the Sightlines webinar series. Both are great for receiving industry updates. Employers Health content is easy to digest but also ensures we’re always aware of what’s happening across the benefits landscape.
One of the most important pieces of advice I offer newcomers in employee benefits is to embrace flexibility and continuous learning. The employee benefits landscape evolves rapidly, shaped by innovations, shifting workforce expectations and frequent changes in laws and regulations. It’s crucial to be able to stretch and grow with these trends while always keeping a keen eye on compliance requirements. Equally important is developing a strong moral compass to consistently do the right thing, especially when facing complex decisions. Treat every interaction as an opportunity to make complex information clear and accessible. Listen attentively, communicate transparently and remember that your work directly impacts the well-being of others.
The most rewarding benefits careers are built on a foundation of ongoing growth, sound judgment and a heartfelt commitment to guide people through their employment lifecycle.