9 less-common employee perks that boost value at your workplace

9 less-common employee perks that boost value at your workplace

By Arrow advisors Rosario Avila & Andrew McNeil, North Bay Business Journal Columnists

Volunteer time off for employees, pet insurance, and cross-training opportunities can pay big dividends in keeping workers happy, according to Power of Two columnists Rosario Avila and Andrew McNeil.

While well-known perks like health insurance, 401(k) plans, and paid time off tend to grab the most attention, many lesser-known benefits fall off the radar — but would prove highly enticing to your team. These “hidden benefits” provide significant value to employees and contribute to their overall well-being and job satisfaction.

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North Bay Business Journal – April 2024

The Power of Two: 10 ways to protect the heartbeat of your business

The Power of Two: 10 ways to protect the heartbeat of your business

By Arrow advisors Rosario Avila & Andrew McNeil, North Bay Business Journal Columnists

It’s February — the month of love. Even more importantly it’s American Heart Month — a time to focus on our cardiovascular health. We want to spread awareness about heart health and offer tips on what an employer can do to prepare for the potential of having an employee suffer a heart event or a sudden cardiac arrest — the No. 1 cause of death in the workplace.

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North Bay Business Journal – February 2024

The Power of Two: The underestimated value of workplace friendships

The Power of Two: The underestimated value of workplace friendships

By Arrow advisors Rosario Avila & Andrew McNeil, North Bay Business Journal Columnists

As we emerge from the pandemic, work life and personal life have clearly become increasingly blurred in the modern workplace. Remote work arrangements and “always-connected” technology mean many employees spend more waking hours engaged with their jobs than in previous times. Workplace friendships have often been seen by many as unprofessional or unnecessary distractions. With that said, research and expert opinion continue to show us the benefits associated with forged bonds between co-workers, both for individuals and organizations.

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North Bay Business Journal – January 2024

The Power of Two: Is there a solution to health insurance rate increases?

The Power of Two: Is there a solution to health insurance rate increases?

By Arrow advisors Rosario Avila & Andrew McNeil, North Bay Business Journal Columnists

The headlines are everywhere — the cost of employer-sponsored health care insurance is soaring. According to the annual Kaiser Family Foundation survey of more than 2,000 U.S. employers, the average employer-sponsored health insurance premium in the U.S. rose 7% as compared with a 1% increase last year.

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North Bay Business Journal – November 2023

The Power of Two: Are employees excited about benefits?

The Power of Two: Are employees excited about benefits?

By Arrow advisors Rosario Avila & Andrew McNeil, North Bay Business Journal Columnists

For a business, an employee benefits program is the second largest expense on its balance sheet (second only to payroll). So, for what you will spend on it, are your employees happy with your benefits program, do they make the most use of them possible? If not, why?

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Photo credit: (Fizkes / Shutterstock)

North Bay Business Journal – October 2023

Tips on Managing Premiums and Healthcare Costs

Tips on Managing Premiums and Healthcare Costs

By Matthew Sohn

With multiple factors to consider, health insurance planning can be complicated. Premiums and healthcare costs are rising faster than inflation. Making informed decisions involving the cost of health insurance, access to care and understanding the best strategies for each life stage is essential.

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NorthBay biz – October 2023

The Power of Two: Do your employees think you’re a great place to work?

The Power of Two: Do your employees think you’re a great place to work?

By Arrow advisors Rosario Avila & Andrew McNeil, North Bay Business Journal Columnists

Being on a “Best Places” list equals much more than the prestige it brings. Having this designation helps attract and retain talent, improve morale and productivity, and enhances your company’s overall success and reputation.

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North Bay Business Journal – September 2023

6 key pieces to a financially sound employee benefits package

6 key pieces to a financially sound employee benefits package

By Arrow advisors Rosario Avila & Andrew McNeil, North Bay Business Journal Columnists

Financial health can mean the difference between contented or stressed workers. Employee Benefits Programs appear to be a “dime a dozen, one-size-fits-all” proposition. Today, organizations recognize that one crucial aspect of a solid benefits package is the role it plays in promoting employee financial security.

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North Bay Business Journal – September 2023

The Power of Two: 7 strategies for motivating your multigenerational workforce

The Power of Two: 7 strategies for motivating your multigenerational workforce

By Arrow advisors Rosario Avila & Andrew McNeil, North Bay Business Journal Columnists

In January, 25-year-old Maxwell Frost, D-Florida, was sworn into the U.S. House of Representatives. As the youngest member of Congress his election signaled that Gen Z had joined the world workforce. With five different generations, Congress represents the ultimate example of a multigenerational workplace. It’s now increasingly common in all industries to find those encompassing four or more generational sets…and key for businesses to design employee benefits programs that cater to all generations.

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North Bay Business Journal – July 2023

Employee Benefit News – June 2023

Your brand, your voice: Elevating the adviser presence in employee benefits

By Rosario Avila and Andrew McNeil

Andrew and Rosario discuss building a Benefits Insurance Brand; how they did it, how to establish and elevate your own brand, and how to stand out in a crowded marketplace.

Read entire article here…

Employee Benefit News – June 2023