Below, find the full video, as well as a recap of their discussion on HR and employee benefits. A must-read (and watch) for HR leaders and benefits buyers seeking innovative, data-driven strategies!
Brent detailed the significance of benchmarking benefits data as a cornerstone for HR leaders. He shared an example from his role, where benchmarking led to the discovery of a trend in Emergency Room (ER) utilization among a specific category of employees at Badger Infrastructure Solutions.
By analyzing the data, it became evident that employees working unconventional hours were resorting to ER visits as opposed to normal doctor visits, because their shifts were offset from common doctor availability.
This revelation sparked a strategic shift towards Telehealth benefits.. Brent recounted how an entire campaign was launched to encourage the adoption of Telehealth, leading to a remarkable reduction in ER visits.
"We built an entire campaign to encourage Telehealth medicine. We were able to reduce the ER visits by over 70%."
This initiative not only proved to be cost-effective but also enhanced value for employees, showcasing the transformative impact of benchmarking benefits data.
Telehealth emerged as a beacon of convenience for employees at Badger Infrastructure Solutions, particularly for employees working non-traditional hours. Brent underscored the concept of “rising tides lift all ships,” demonstrating how innovative solutions can simultaneously benefit both the organization and its workforce.
“That's a perfect example of where you can really find that rising tides lift all ships, where you are doing something that ultimately is giving you more cost-effective solutions but also delivering value for your employees.”
The emphasis on Telehealth showcased the potential of alternative healthcare solutions in addressing specific employee needs and improving overall well-being.
Brent shared advice for HR leaders and teams struggling to implement data-driven strategies across benefits, advocating for process-driven approaches, stressing the importance of focusing creative solutions.
"Go and ask your employees, 'Hey, what benefits are you curious about? What are you guys hearing?' Ask your recruiters."
Brent added that thinking outside the box is the best way to address these challenges, whether you’re running proof of concepts, testing ideas, or scaling successful initiatives.
Brent also detailed his ongoing newsletter, Talent Matters, as his personal outlet to bring his experience to other professionals and amplify his personal development.
"I write not for the purpose of becoming popular, not for the purpose of telling you I know all this stuff. Honestly, I write more for the professional development of myself."
Brent says his writing process focuses on delivering a diversity of content, with a goal of addressing top-of-mind HR topics for the professionals in his audience.
You can check out Brent’s newsletter here.
To close the conversation, Brent shared his answers in our quick-fire HR Exit Interview:
1. Karaoke Song Choice:
Brent: “Life is a Highway.”
2. Quote You Live By:
Brent: “The answer’s always ‘No’ unless you ask.”
3. Alternative Profession:
Brent: “Marketing and real estate would be intriguing.”
4. Dream Living Location:
Brent: “Living and skiing in the Swiss Alps.”
6. Go-To Dish to Cook:
Brent: “Mexican casserole”
7. Advice to Younger Self:
Brent: “Invest earlier in retirement plans and don’t believe the myths you tell yourself.”
Mployer Advisor is dedicated to our community of HR and People leaders. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for future interviews. Know someone that would make a great guest? Contact Jared at jared.koll@mployeradvisor.com.
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