Employee Spotlight – Talking Voluntary Benefits and Industry Trends With Our RFP Manager/Underwriting & Benefits Analyst

Questions

Katie: I’ve been lucky enough to work with you my entire tenure at Winston and hopefully we’ll have many more years as coworkers! How do you think your role at Winston has helped employers?

Dona: Thanks, Katie, and I’m looking forward to many more years as teammates too! I think my role as RFP Manager gives me the opportunity to assist our clients by providing them with the in-depth research needed to discover the best carrier and product fits for their company. The challenge of working with carriers to negotiate the strongest package of plan design and rates for our clients and their employees is an important part of my role. And after implementation, I continue to be there for our clients as an ongoing resource for product questions, contract questions, claim issues, and renewals.

Katie: How have you seen the voluntary benefits industry change because of COVID?

Dona: Change is everywhere, from new types of product offerings to new ways of thinking about enrollment and communication. I think it’s pushed the entire industry to move forward at an accelerated pace, creating new ways to enable employers to help their employees focus on their priorities like mental health and financial wellbeing. I’ve seen some really creative new ideas in the virtual care and mental wellness space, such as “trained listeners” who can reach out to employees to make them feel less stressed, and of course, existing vendors have been working to enhance their more traditional voluntary products to include additional health, financial and mental wellbeing benefits.

Katie: What trends do you anticipate seeing in the next few years?

Dona: I see continued focus on new ways to approach making life better and easier for employees, whether it’s assistance with financial, mental, or physical wellness, childcare, or even expanded pet benefits (pet telemedicine anyone?).

Disclaimer:  This content is strictly informational and should not be used as specific advice on insurance products, legal, accounting, and/or tax related matters. Insureds should always contact the appropriate licensed professional for their insurance, legal, accounting, or tax needs.