Are your employees genuinely interested and committed to the success of your company and the work they perform? For many employers, this scenario is all too familiar: A company starts a wellness program or purchases a benefit in hopes that it will boost morale, retain top talent or even shrink future insurance costs. Yet, the company still ends up with an unhappy and unhealthy workforce that is unproductive and difficult to motivate.

A common reason: Regardless of what rich perk or plan an employer offers, it likely will fizzle if employees either don’t know about it or don’t care. That’s why employee engagement and communication is just as vital as the benefit itself.

This white paper explores the importance and advantages of implementing an employee engagement program, with a variety of experts sharing insights about communications strategies, motivational activities and financial benefits, including how to:

• Increase productivity and employee retention
• Build employee appreciation of benefits offerings
• Improve employee engagement with consistent communication
• Boost profits through more engaged workers

Download the report for free here.

Owning a small business is challenging on a number of levels, but especially when health insurance is concerned. It’s one of the key benefits your people use and your employees rely on you to provide reliable, reasonable-priced plans for them and their families. But, how do you do that when premiums continue to rise and more money comes out of your pocket each month?

One word: negotiate. Successful negotiations can save your small businesses in a big way when it comes to health insurance premiums. A very common misconception is that the letter you receive from the insurance company – unveiling next year’s rate increase – is fixed. You can either move the plan or cut benefits in order to save money. But, that’s simply not true! In many cases, the number in the letter is simply the first offer.

Since you may not know where to start or how to handle negotiations, the first step is to find a trusted agency. By working with a proactive firm, you gain a partner who can do this for you. You will be able to compare costs and negotiate to ensure you’re getting what you want and expect from your health insurance plan. You will also learn about changes taking place as a result of new health care reform laws and what that means for you. Finally, you’ll hear new ideas about other important issues like reimbursement plans, employee privacy, claims analysis, claims advocacy and more.

There is a method to the madness though. Start the process early – well before you receive that letter. Time always runs short and many of the steps you SHOULD take to position yourself best, may not be possible. So, think back to Einstein’s insightful comments … “the definition of insanity is doing the same things over and over but expecting a different result.” Do you want a different result? Maybe its time for a different partner.

The associates at Schwartz Insurance Group work hard to provide insight, creativity and personalized service. That often means lower expenses for benefit plans. Contact us today to schedule a coverage review and see if working with Schwartz makes sense for your small business.

Each month, Schwartz Insurance Group selects one peer-nominated associate to receive a Core Value award. The winner is chosen based on their “living out” one of our agency’s core values … typically an event or accomplishment above and beyond the call of duty in servicing our customers. This month, Katie Tate was selected – here’s Katie’s story:

A doctor’s family needs health insurance just as much as everyone else. A doctor needs trusted advice to find affordable health insurance just as much as everyone else. And that’s our specialty.

When a local surgeon faced a significant jump in premiums, he turned to us for advice. Of course, it was not a simple situation. It seemed un-solvable.

But, after weeks of collecting, negotiating, pleading and finally, succeeding, Katie Tate delivered on our promise. With Schwartz, you can consider it done!

Congratulations Katie! Here’s a bit more about her, in her own words:

I help our personal lines clients with their home, auto, umbrella, etc. needs. I also take care of individual health plans, both under 65 as well as Medicare.

When I’m not at work, I like to spend time with my family and friends. I am also an independent stylist for Stella and Dot and host one jewelry party a week.

I have been in this industry nearly five years. I was in retail management for over a decade before becoming an insurance agent. While working at Pier 1 Imports, a friend’s mother suggested looking into an insurance career. I took her suggestion and here I am!

The thing I love most about my job is being able to educate people about their insurance needs. Insurance can be very confusing and if I can assist our clients so they better understand their coverages, it makes me feel like I am doing good. Education is so important in this field and I enjoy doing it every day!

I know this sounds just like a woman, but I thoroughly enjoy shopping. When I was in my 20’s, I wanted to be a fashion designer. I love to look at clothing and see how it was made. I usually look beyond the overall look of a garment and focus on the details. I also really enjoy spending time with family and friends. I have a great relationship with my husband and we laugh together all the time.

If I wasn’t in insurance, I would definitely be in apparel design. Unfortunately, living in Louisville doesn’t allow me any opportunities with design and I don’t plan to move any time soon!

I graduated from U of L so I have always cheered for the Cards if they are playing UK. But, I don’t really watch college sports as much … I am a big Green Bay Packers fan!!

For several years, we have helped create the largest health plan survey in the nation through our membership in United Benefit Advisors (UBA). Employers have come to appreciate the value of good information.

Did you know that in 2011:

• The average health plan renewal increase was 8.2 percent.
• The average employee contribution was $117 single and $467 family.
• As a direct result of health care reform criteria, 81.3 percent of all plans now offer an unlimited lifetime maximum benefit compared to just 16.1 percent in 2010.

Those are just some of the preliminary results released from the 2011 UBA Health Plan Survey.

With detailed comparative data by size, location and industry, decision makers are better equipped to choose the right benefit programs and strategies to maintain competitive benefits.

Be informed when making decisions that affect your business and its employees. Download the full report for free here.

Contact Schwartz Insurance Group with questions about the data in the report or to schedule a coverage review.