I joined Hargrove in 2015 and now have more than two decades of human resources (HR) experience. I started as an HR coordinator, advanced to HR generalist and, in 2017, transitioned to benefits administration. As Hargrove has evolved, so have I — building and leading a dedicated benefits team.
Our team focuses on designing, delivering and administering a comprehensive benefits package that attracts top talent and fosters long-term retention. We are committed to expanding our offerings to meet the diverse needs of our workforce, ensuring our benefits remain innovative, competitive and impactful.
There is a deep sense of pride that comes from guiding someone through the complicated world of benefits and ensuring they understand and maximize the benefits they’re entitled to. It’s rewarding because it directly impacts their well-being and can often make a significant difference in the life of the team member and their family. You’re not just giving answers; you’re offering support that enhances their experience and security.
In benefits administration, the stakes are high. The detailed nature of benefit plans, the interaction with the PBM (pharmacy benefit manager) and the balancing act between the company’s goals and teammates’ needs can be a complex puzzle. When you successfully navigate those challenges, it’s like solving a multi-layered problem, requiring critical thinking and creative solutions. It’s this type of work that makes the result feel like a major achievement.
With a focus on personalized, relevant benefits, Hargrove is shifting toward a total rewards benefits approach. We want to ensure our employees are taken care of both physically, mentally and financially. Last year, we identified an opportunity to focus on our team’s overall well-being. Our medical claims data started to reflect an increase in medical-enrolled employees who did not have any claims, indicating that many weren’t receiving preventive testing. We want to encourage our team members to complete their preventive testing to identify potential issues before they arise.
To encourage preventive testing, we partnered with a service that offers at-home testing. Kits include a tape measure, a blood pressure cuff and even an at-home blood collection device for bloodwork. It also includes a health history and mental health screening. The cost of this at-home kit is processed as a preventive claim through our medical provider and will be provided to teammates this year.
Our approach to benefits management at Hargrove demonstrates a strong commitment to adaptability, communication and the active engagement of our team. We strive to stay ahead of the curve by monitoring industry trends and implementing benefits that meet the needs of today’s workforce. A key focus is educating our teammates on their benefits. When they understand how to utilize their benefits effectively, they become more engaged, ask questions, explore benefit options and attend educational sessions. Educational sessions are a core part of our culture. We host webinars from different providers throughout the year and hold face-to-face open enrollment meetings in our U.S. offices.
One unique benefit we’re proud to offer is genetic testing. When we first transitioned to a self-funded medical plan, it was like unlocking a door to a vault of information. One trend identified was an increase in late-stage cancer diagnoses, leading us to evaluate genetic testing benefits. This program helps identify genetic traits that may make someone more likely to develop certain types of cancer. By addressing potential concerns early, we improve health outcomes while mitigating long-term costs for our plan.
Employers Health plays a pivotal role in supporting our team’s strong commitment to professional development. Continuous learning is essential for tackling the complex problems we face in employee benefits and Employers Health consistently provides relevant webinars that address the challenges we encounter. Another valuable resource is our benefits consultant, HUB International. Its team proactively delivers essential benchmarking analytics, keeping our team informed on emerging industry and legislative trends.
Employers Health serves as a trusted advocate, always ready to assist when we need help. Its support is consistent and dependable, often feeling like an extension of our own benefits team. Employers Health consistently keeps us informed on upcoming changes well in advance, ensuring we’re always prepared before our team is impacted. Like many organizations, we’re mindful of rising health care costs, but Employers Health negotiates better rebates and discounts with our pharmacy provider, helping to mitigate these increases.
From the beginning of our relationship with Employers Health, one of our non-negotiables was the experience our team would have when working with the Employers Health team. We place a high value on excellent customer service and the ability to receive timely answers, and Employers Health has consistently exceeded these expectations. Even after years of working together, their team’s customer service remains exceptional.
While it’s inevitable that not all questions can be answered with a “yes,” our client solutions executive and clinical representatives take the time to explain the reasoning behind decisions. Employers Health’s transparency allows us to effectively communicate and educate our team members, ensuring they fully understand the rationale behind any impactful decisions. In every interaction, Employers Health demonstrates a deep commitment to our success, and we couldn’t be more satisfied with our relationship.
First and foremost, I want to say this: you will never get bored! The field of employee benefits is one of the most dynamic and evolving areas of HR, and that’s not changing anytime soon. Benefits, especially health care, can be complex and sometimes overwhelming, but that’s where the magic happens. Knowing that you are helping your teammates navigate these complexities and empowering them with understanding and access to resources is one of the most fulfilling aspects of employee benefits. What makes this journey even more rewarding are the partnerships we build along the way that provide critical support in delivering the best outcomes for our teams. So, if you’re ready to step into a field where you’ll learn every day, make a meaningful impact and support the people who make your organization thrive, I encourage you to dive in.