New Website Launched for Assured Partners Consulting
We’re excited to show off our latest website redesign for Assured Partners Consulting, based in Reno, Nevada!
The site is mobile-responsive, clean and concise, and provides a one-stop resource for potential and current clients.
Visit the new APC website at assuredpc.com!
Contact us to learn more about custom website design, SEO optimization, email marketing, and social media solutions!
Updated Teladoc Explainer Video – Branded to your Agency
We recently updated the video template introducing Teladoc to employees. Benefit agencies who provide and market this service can have a branded version of this video delivered in a few days and for only $150.
See all our benefit agency designs and template on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJbDjP6C793bbHUJqAiyHdA
New Website Launched for JKJ Benefits
We’re excited to show off our latest website redesign for JKJ Benefits, based in Ft. Worth, Texas!
The site is mobile-responsive, clean and concise, and provides a one-stop resource for potential and current clients.
Visit the new JKJ website at jkjbenefits.com!
Contact us to learn more about custom website design, SEO optimization, email marketing, and social media solutions!
New Website Launched for Self-Insurance.expert
We’re excited to show off our latest website design for Self-Insurance.expert!
The site is mobile-responsive, clean and concise, and provides a one-stop resource for potential and current clients.
Visit the new Self-Insurance.expert website at self-insurance.expert!
Contact us to learn more about custom website design, SEO optimization, email marketing, and social media solutions!
New Website Launched for JRW Associates
We’re excited to show off our latest website redesign for JRW Associates, based in Raleigh, North Carolina!
The site is mobile-responsive, clean and concise, and provides a one-stop resource for potential and current clients.
Visit the new JRW website at jrwassoc.com!
Contact us to learn more about custom website design, SEO optimization, email marketing, and social media solutions!
Custom Content Article for Benefit Agencies
TeleMedicine – The NextGen Benefit of Minor Healthcare
It’s not surprising that 2017 stands to be the year many will have an experience to share using a Telemedicine or a Virtual Doctor service. With current market trends, government regulations, and changing economic demands, it’s fast becoming a more popular alternative to traditional healthcare visits. And, as healthcare costs continue to rise and there are more strategic pricing options and digital models available to users, the appeal for consumers, self-insured employers, health systems and health plans to jump on board is significant.
In a recent study conducted by the Aloft Group on the state of Telemedicine, 47.7% of respondents weren’t sure about what Telemedicine meant, but it’s possible they may have experienced it, as 52.4% have had interaction with a physician or clinician via email or text. Further, 78.5% of respondents indicated they would be comfortable talking with a physician using an online method.
Dr. Tony Yuan, an experienced ER doctor in San Diego, who also consults for Doctor on Demand, provides insight into this increasing trend during a recent Q and A session. Currently, over half of the patients he sees in his ER could utilize a digital healthcare model. In fact, 90% of patients who head to the ER for minor illnesses can be treated through this service. So, the next sinus, ear infection, or other minor health issue just may provide you and your family the chance to try what will become the new standard in minor healthcare.
Here are few benefits TeleMedicine has to offer:
It’s Fast and Simple
There’s no question apps are available for everything to make our lives easier—and TeleMed is no exception. Within minutes, standard first time users can set up an account, complete a few medical profile questions, then create and save a session. Having the ability to log on with a board-certified physician or clinician 24/7/365, using any PC, smart device, and even phone in some cases, saves time and money. Many services, like Teledoc and MDLive, will connect you with a licensed doctor or clinician online in just a few minutes – no scheduling or wait required. Once on, you can discuss your healthcare needs confidentially. After the visit, the doctor will update his/her records, notify your primary care physician of the call, and send an electronic prescription to the pharmacy of your choice, if necessary—all in the time it takes for a lunch break.
It’s Flexible
The ability to connect with a professional whether you are at home, work, or traveling makes getting the care you need invaluable. How often have you experienced the symptoms—or the full blown-effect—of getting sick while traveling? Many, no doubt, have had to adjust flight/travel plans to get the help needed from their PCP, in order to avoid getting worse. By using an app or online service from your smart phone or laptop, you’re able to get the antibiotics you need quicker without cutting trips short or missing work to do so.
In addition, patients in smaller communities without the resources available of classically- trained, emergency-med physicians, see the benefit and flexibility of tapping into these online doctor services. Not only is it a plus for the patient to access more advanced care if needed, doctors in these rural areas value this as well. These digital healthcare models provide immediate, life-saving tools for both doctors and their patients who may not have access to higher, acute facilities.
It’s Affordable
Many TeleMedicine services now accept insurance, making a patient’s visit free, or at minimum the same as most deductible or co-insurance amounts for office visits; around $40. For those on a high-deductible plan, paying $40 for an online doctor service is a much cheaper alternative than paying $150 or more for an Urgent Care visit, or over $1200 for a trip to the ER. For employers, group options are low cost and can be a clear asset when creating solutions EEs will value.
It’s Beneficial to Employers
Today, 3 of 5 corporations, or 59% of employers provide digital healthcare benefits to their employees. As an employer, the benefits are straightforward. First, employees can participate in professional consultations for their family members or themselves without taking away from productivity. Second, when employers incorporate these services into their benefit plans, non-emergency care is redirected from expensive ER visits, ultimately saving thousands of dollars or more to the bottom line. Additionally, TeleHealth services offer frequent monitoring from clinicians for those employees who may need regular support due to more chronic issues, reducing trips to the hospital. Reducing these costs have a direct ROI for the employer and relieves the stress on the employee’s pocketbook. Third, many companies are now adding this digital benefit to their packages as a way to recruit new talent.
There’s no doubt 2017 will see a greater opportunity for all to experience the increasing trend of Telemed. Creating a clear communication strategy to make sure employees know how to find, access and utilize this service to the highest potential is key. Vendors who partner with a benefits technology firm that provide these services will have a wealth of web and print material, and in many cases explainer videos, like one we’ve provided to our benefit agency clients. Let us help you create a winning strategy to implement this valuable digital benefit. Contact us for more information.
New Website Launched for Reames Employee Benefits Solutions
We’re excited to show off our latest website redesign for Reames Employee Benefits Solutions, based in Daytona Beach, Florida!
The new Reames website was recently launched with a oceanfront skyline image creating a local, modern feel that is easy to navigate.
The site is mobile-responsive, clean and concise, and provides a one-stop resource for potential and current clients.
Visit the new Reames website at reamesebs.com!
Contact us to learn more about custom website design, SEO optimization, email marketing, and social media solutions!
New Website Launched for Byrne Byrne and Company!
Does your website inspire new visitors to learn more, or think they entered a time-capsule to 1898?
The home screen of your website is the first touch for most potential clients! It’s important to create a visually-appealing, easy-to-navigate site that tells your brand story and showcases your services. We’re excited about our latest website redesign for Byrne Byrne and Company, based in Chicago, which features a sweeping skyline backdrop.
The site is mobile-responsive, clean and concise, and provides a one-stop resource for potential and current clients.
Visit the new Byrne Byrne and Company website at byrnebyrne.com!
Byrne Byrne also utilizes our social media marketing solution which includes posting relevant blogs on industry topics, creating and managing social media company pages on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter and publishing personalized content from company outreach initiatives!
Contact us to learn more about custom website design, SEO optimization, email marketing and social media solutions!
Employee Spotlight: Noelle Gutierrez
Noelle Gutierrez serves our team as Client Support & Marketing Director/Office Mom! We’ve asked her a few fun questions to get to know her a little better:
Q. What is your job at eTekhnos?
A. I am the Client Support & Marketing Director, but I also play the role of Office Mom! I help clients manage their web portals, social media channels and facilitate partnerships with new clients. As Office Mom, I encourage the health and well-being of the rest of the staff by making health shakes and providing impromptu therapy sessions!
Q. What is your favorite aspect of your job?
A. I love to interact with people and offer helpful service. Providing quality support that assists clients in meeting their goals is the most rewarding part of my job.
Q. Do you have a favorite sports team?
A. As a Midwest girl who lived outside of Chicago, I was super excited to see the Cubs win the World Series last Fall! I rep the team down here in Texas by flying my Cubs flag off our front porch!
Q. What did you want to be when growing up?
A. When I was younger I wanted to be a judge for the Supreme Court. In pursuing that goal, I got a B.S. in Paralegal Studies at Southern Illinois University where I also met my husband. I enjoyed working for several years as a paralegal in Illinois before starting a family and moving to Texas!
Q. Do you have any hobbies?
A. I love to eat healthy and workout. I devote a lot of time outside of work to helping people reach their health and fitness goals. It’s very rewarding to see people get healthy, fit and active and watch them pass that on to future generations. I love seeing my kids adopt healthy habits that I know they will model for their children down the road.
Custom Content for Benefit Agencies | How Paid Parental Leave is Changing the Benefits Landscape
There’s no doubt that original content boosts your search engine rankings, establishes credibility as an industry expert, and generates interest in your services. Yet many benefit agencies struggle to produce timely, quality content simply because they don’t have the bandwidth to get it done. At eTekhnos we offer customized social media marketing plans to fit your agency. Along with curated relevant content on compliance issues and top HR and benefit trends, we prioritize creating custom pieces on the latest hot topics! Here’s a sample blog article we recently produced for our clients on the rising 2017 benefit trend of paid parental leave:
How Paid Parental Leave is Changing the Benefits Landscape
When you hear the term “paid parental leave”, what do you think of? Here in the U.S., paid leave benefits are somewhat of a luxury. Although the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) has made it possible for parents working at companies with 50 or more employees to secure 12 weeks of unpaid leave, the U.S. is one of only three countries on a list of 185 that does not mandate a period of paid parental leave. This leaves the country ranked below Iran and Mexico, who both offer 12 weeks of paid parental leave. On the other end of the spectrum, employees in the UK benefit from up to 40 weeks of paid leave.
As a result of having no mandated paid parental leave policy, approximately a quarter of U.S. women who become pregnant while employed quit their jobs upon giving birth, one third of women are forced to borrow money or withdraw from savings to cover time off from work, and 15% utilize public assistance. The June 2015 Enforcement Guidance on Pregnancy Discrimination from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) was the first legislation to make a case for offering equal parental leave to mothers and fathers, setting a new precedent for the evolution of the paid leave benefit.
Why Should You Offer Paid Parental Leave to Employees?
The EY & Peterson Institute for International Economics recently released a study revealing that 38% of millennials would move to a new country if they would be afforded better paid parental leave benefits. Millennials now make up the largest demographic in the American workforce, and companies will need to increasingly take statistics like this into account when building benefit plans that will attract and retain top talent.
Aside from talent acquisition, the study goes on to show the positive impacts a paid parental leave benefit can have on keeping women in the C-Suite, as men who would usually be considered secondary caregivers take advantage of the time off and allow women to get back to work more quickly. In addition, change.org, who has implemented a generous paid parental leave policy, observed that dads who took leave in their company encouraged other new fathers to take advantage of the benefits as well, creating a culture of safety in which to utilize leave and invest more fully in their family life.
Ultimately, employees are happier and are empowered to do better work when they are allowed to honor their priorities. Whether this means a new mother is allowed to take stress-free, paid time off to bond with her child, or a father takes advantage of leave to be with his family or allow his partner to return to work, the ability to balance work and life is of the utmost importance to younger generations.
Case Studies – Top Companies Doing it Right
American Express
American Express recently announced that they were changing their paid parental leave policy from three months for primary caregivers and two weeks for secondary caregivers to five months of paid parental leave for all full-time and part-time employees.
All genders are eligible for the benefit, and employees may become parents via birth, adoption or surrogacy. In addition, American Express offers up to $35,000 for adoption or surrogacy fees with a limit of two events. A lifetime maximum of $35,000 is also allotted for fertility treatments.
The company also announced a unique supplemental benefit of 24-hour lactation consultants available to nursing mothers, and a breast milk shipment program available to mothers traveling for business who need to send milk home.
Bank of America
Bank of America offers 16 weeks of paid leave for biological and adoptive parents. A unique feature of their policy allows parents to take leave any time during the first year of the child’s life, enabling partners to take overlapping or subsequent time off, whichever best fits their family’s needs. The company values providing this option, as they see almost half of parents in today’s society raising their kids together at home while both holding jobs.
The banking giant also tries to make life after baby easier for working parents by offering a more flexible work-from-home program and providing $240 in monthly childcare reimbursement for employees whose household income comes in under $100,000 annually.
Netflix
Netflix took the spotlight when it comes to paid parental leave benefits when they announced that the company would offer unlimited paid leave with no loss of benefits during the first year after a child’s arrival. Leave can be taken at any time during the year, and employees may choose to work part-time, or come back to work and then leave again if desired.
Netflix chief talent officer, Tawni Cranz, said of the monumental decision, “Experience shows people perform better at work when they’re not worrying about home.”
While Twitter offers 20 weeks of paid leave for mothers and 10 for fathers and adoptive parents, the most innovative benefits this company offers come through its pre and post-natal programs for parents. Twitter offers quarterly “New Moms and Moms-To-Be” roundtables, a Mommy Mentor Program, Working Mom lunches and most lately, “Dads on Leave” roundtables. In-house support for employees when it comes to family life provides a safe place to embrace new roles as parents while still progressing in their careers.
How Can You Adopt This Benefit?
Job participation by women in peak years is declining, and paid parental leave is a way to help remove barriers in the workplace that leave women in only 5% of CEO positions at Fortune 500 companies. Karyn Twaronite, EY global diversity and inclusiveness officer, said, “Companies that view parental leave as something solely for mothers are becoming extinct, as more modern and enlightened companies are realizing that many people, especially millennials, are even more interested in co-parenting given most are part of dual career couples.”
If your company is unable to keep up with the generous paid leave packages larger businesses can afford, consider taking a page out of Twitter’s book and offering mentoring programs and support groups for new parents. Budget for childcare reimbursement costs like Bank of America. Even smaller changes that are made thoughtfully, with the employee in mind, will increase the appeal of your benefits package.
As the benefits landscape changes with shifting demographics, consider carefully how offering paid parental leave could positively impact your employees, and ultimately, your bottom line as workers are motivated to work harder and smarter, knowing things are taken care of at home.
By Kate McGaughey – Social Media Director, eTekhnos
