Shows
BenefitsTV the PodcastGen Z to Boomers: Cracking the Multi-Gen Benefits CodeIn this episode of BenefitsTV - The Podcast, co-hosts Andrew McNeil and Rosario Avila delve into innovative strategies for employee benefits communication, with a focus on the future. They discuss the effectiveness of using text messaging as a communication tool, inspired by the 2017 Sonoma County fires. Additionally, the hosts emphasize the importance of understanding the cost and efficiency differences between primary care, urgent care, and emergency room visits. They advocate for employers to adopt forward-thinking communication methods and address how to effectively convey benefit information to a multi-generational workforce.00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:24 Innovative Employee Benefits Communication2024-09-2718 min
BenefitsTV the PodcastNavigating Health Insurance Premium Trends and ICHRAsIn this episode of BenefitsTV - The Podcast, co-hosts Andrew McNeil and Rosario Avila reconnect after a brief hiatus to discuss recent trends in healthcare costs and the growing interest in Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs). They dive into a BenefitsPro article predicting an 8% rise in healthcare costs in 2025, explore the factors driving these increases, and ponder the impact on employers and employees. The discussion also covers the pros and cons of ICHRAs, highlighting their potential as a flexible solution for employers looking to manage expenses while offering employees greater choice in their healthcare plans.00:00 Welcome Back...2024-08-2218 min
BenefitsTV the PodcastCreating a Fun Workplace and Addressing Leave PoliciesIn this episode of BenefitsTV - The Podcast, hosts Andrew McNeil and Rosario Avila discuss the significance of creating a fun work environment and the positive impact it has on employees. They share experiences from their company, Arrow Benefits Group, detailing a two-day summer party and the benefits of such gatherings. Additionally, they delve into the important topic of maternity and paternity leave, sharing personal experiences and discussing broader trends and cultural shifts regarding parental leave policies. They emphasize the importance of employers supporting employees by encouraging the use of parental leave. The hosts also invite listeners to share their...2024-07-2525 min
BenefitsTV the PodcastEvolving Benefits in the Workplace: A Conversation on Personalization and EducationIn this episode of BenefitsTV - The Podcast, the hosts discuss various workplace benefits topics, including personalization, education, and the role of advisors. They explore Rosario's experience as a finalist for Advisor of the Year and the need for innovation in the industry. The conversation covers the impact of larger companies entering the benefits space, self-funding strategies, engaging diverse workforce segments, and the importance of communication in enhancing benefits programs. The hosts encourage listeners to share their experiences in personalizing benefits and engaging employees.00:00 Welcome Back to Benefits TV00:28 Advisor of the Year: A Reflective Journey01:04...2024-05-2019 min
BenefitsTV the PodcastUnderstanding Gen Z's Benefits ExpectationsIn this episode of BenefitsTV - the Podcast, co-hosts Andrew McNeil and Rosario Avila discuss the top benefits that Gen Z expects from employers, based on a study by the Standard Insurance company. The episode delves into the changing landscape of employee benefits, highlighting Gen Z's growing influence in the workforce. By 2025, Gen Z is expected to comprise about 30% of the workforce, emphasizing the importance for employers to understand and cater to their needs. Surprising many, the top benefits for Gen Z include medical insurance, paid family and medical leave, retirement savings plans, life insurance, and mental health d...2024-03-2222 min
BenefitsTV the PodcastRate Increases and Renewals: Strategic Planning for 2024 BenefitsIn this episode of BenefitsTV The Podcast, co-hosts Andrew McNeil and Rosario Avila discuss the challenges experienced by organizations with open enrollment and benefits compliance at the tail end of 2023 and the start of 2024. They highlight important factors like communication to employees, early strategic planning, and proper understanding of the range of options to handle issues like rate increases. They also dive into a commonly found issue where some employers often confuse certain documents or overlook certain procedures which could lead to potential compliance problems, affecting even smaller employers. The hosts encourage employers to ask more questions and start strategic...2024-02-1216 min
BenefitsTV the Podcast2024: A Success Guide for Employers in the New YearNew Year, New Beginnings: Embracing Changes in 2024In this episode of Benefits tv, co-hosts Andrew McNeil and Rosario Abela discuss their first podcast of the new year. They talk about the importance of adapting to the changing norms, particularly in the work landscape. Specific topics included the need for improved communication and education regarding benefits programs, simplifying the employee experience, and embracing workplace flexibility. 00:11 Introduction and New Year Greetings01:00 Reflecting on the Previous Year01:38 New Year Resolutions and Changes02:22 Covid-19 and its Impact03:03 School Policies during Covid-1904:01 Stanley Cup Craze06:56...2024-01-0925 min
BenefitsTV the PodcastBalancing Act: Navigating Zoom Fatigue and Boosting Employee Benefit EnthusiasmIn this solo-host episode of BenefitsTV - The Podcast, Andrew McNeil discusses two key topics: 'Zoom fatigue', and how employees feel about the benefits provided by their companies. He scrutinizes the root causes behind Zoom fatigue following a Stanford study and provides suggestions on reducing it. These include turning off the camera during meetings and shifting back to phone calls. Switching gears, he lays emphasis on how important it is for employers to communicate about the benefits they offer and to ensure their employees are excited about them. He also provides insights into how to achieve this through multi-platform communication...2023-11-2909 min
BenefitsTV the PodcastDough Through the Decades: Costeaux French Bakery's Century of TraditionOn this episode, we chat with Will Seppi, owner of Costeaux French Bakery, about the 100-year history of this beloved Sonoma County bakery. Will shares how the business has evolved over the decades, while staying true to its old-world baking traditions and commitment to community. We also discuss some of the challenges facing small business owners today, including managing a multigenerational workforce and providing quality, affordable benefits.Show Notes:Costeaux French Bakery was founded in 1923 as a French-American bakery distributing bread in Sonoma County [00:00:48]The business was purchased by a French couple, John and Annie Costeaux, in 1972...2023-11-0126 min
BenefitsTV the PodcastNavigating Rising Health Insurance CostsIn this episode of Benefits TV, Andrew and Rosario discuss strategies for employers and employees to deal with increasing health insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs. They talk about plan design changes like HRAs and HSAs, using telehealth, shopping for medications, and taking advantage of standalone providers.Chapters:0:00 - Introduction 0:44 - Increasing premiums and plan changes3:04 - Communicating changes to employees 4:28 - HRAs vs. HSAs6:47 - Bronze plans with HRA funding10:00 - First year utilization with HRA plans 13:35 - ICRAs for out-of-state employees15:59 - Saving money with standalone providers 19:10...2023-10-1627 min
BenefitsTV the PodcastThe Most Popular Employee Benefits and Year-Round CommunicationIn this episode of the Benefits TV - THE Podcast, hosts Andrew McNeil and Rosario Avila discuss the most popular employee benefits that different generations sign up for. They also talk about the importance of consistent benefits communication and education throughout the year, not just at renewal time. Tune in to hear which benefits appeal most to Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z.In this episode, Andrew and Rosario cover:Why term life insurance is an important benefit [00:07:00]The critical value of disability insurance [00:10:30]Accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity plans [00:14:00]Benefits that appeal to...2023-09-1629 min
BenefitsTV the PodcastExploring Early Employee Development and WorkcationsIn this episode, Andrew and Rosario discuss the importance of developing employees early on and embracing flexibility through workcations. They talk about onboarding vs. everboarding, cross-generational training, being present while on vacation, and more.Show Notes:Why developing employees early leads to small business success (00:45)The difference between onboarding and everboarding (02:30)Cross-generational training - learning from experienced employees while bringing new ideas (06:00)The importance of healthy dialog when questioning processes (08:30)Tips for effective communication in a remote environment (07:30)Balancing being present while on vacation but staying connected (11:00)Setting communication expectations before unplugging (13:00)The pros and cons of...2023-08-3123 min
BenefitsTV the PodcastNavigating Toxic Work Cultures and the Future of Remote WorkIn this episode of Benefits TV, join hosts Andrew and Rosario as they discuss toxic work cultures - why they happen, their impacts, and how to fix them. They also debate whether mandating employees to return to the office will actually improve productivity in the post-pandemic landscape. Get insights on building positive company culture, the pros and cons of remote work, and more.Key Points Discussed:60% of employees report being in a toxic work environment and looking for new jobs - what contributes to negativity and how leaders can turn culture around.With more positions able to...2023-08-1534 min
BenefitsTV the PodcastBenefitsTV: Financial Security, Technology and the Next Generation of EmployeesAndrew McNeilAndrewM@arrowbenefitsgroup.comRosario AvilaRosarioA@arrowbenefitsgroup.com2023-08-0129 min
BenefitsTV the PodcastBenefitsTV: Creative Benefits Strategies: Standing Out in the Job MarketIn this episode, Andrew McNeil and Rosario Avala discuss the importance of creative benefits strategies in attracting and retaining employees in the current job market. They cover topics such as flexible work schedules, overlooked benefits, and the benefits of being an out-of-the-box thinker. They also share tips on how to communicate benefits effectively to employees. IntroductionThe Benefits of Being an Out-of-the-Box ThinkerFlexible Work SchedulesOverlooked BenefitsCommunicating Benefits EffectivelyConclusionShow NotesTaskRabbit - https://www.taskrabbit.com/Glassdoor - https://www.glassdoor.com/index.htmContact us:Andrew McNeil - AndrewM@arrowbenefitsgroup.comRosario Avila - RosarioA@arrowbenefitsgroup.com2023-07-0526 min
BenefitsTV the PodcastBenefitsTV: Mick Van Staveren on Benefits in the Restaurant IndustryIn this episode of Benefits TV - The Podcast, Senior Benefits Advisor Mick Van Staveren of Arrow Benefits Group discusses the importance of benefits in the restaurant industry. He shares his experience in working with restaurant owners and general managers to provide the best benefits possible for their employees. Mick also talks about the challenges of the industry, including compliance, and how he and his team work to ensure that their clients are fully supported. Listen in to learn more about the unique needs of the restaurant industry and how benefits can help retain employees.ChaptersIntroductionMick's...2023-06-2125 min
BenefitsTV the PodcastBenefitsTV: Voluntary Benefits, HSA Education, and MoreIn this episode, Andrew and Rosario discuss the benefits of offering voluntary benefits to employees, the importance of consistent HSA education, and the evolution of HSA plans over the years. They also touch on the topic of employee training and the impact it has on employee loyalty.ChaptersIntroduction (00:00)Voluntary Benefits (01:10)HSA Plans (08:08)Impact of Employee Training (15:30)Conclusion (21:12)Show NotesStarbucks: https://www.starbucks.com/careers/college-planMcDonald's: https://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us/careers/training-and-education.htmlUnum: https://www.unum.com/Contact InformationKeywords voluntary benefits, HSA, education, employee training, loyalty, health savings accounts, insurance, critical illness, cancer...2023-06-0526 min
BenefitsTV the PodcastBenefitsTV: Navigating Confusion and Preparedness in Benefits ProgramsJoin the BenefitsTV The Podcast crew (Andrew and Rosario) as they discuss the confusion and lack of preparedness experienced by employees regarding benefits programs. Andrew and Rosario cover how employers can proactively communicate about benefits, understand their employees' needs, and remain flexible in their programs. They also touch on the importance of company culture and listening to employee feedback. ChaptersIntroductionConfusion and Preparedness in Benefits ProgramsProactive Communication and Employee NeedsThe Importance of Company CultureFeedback and Remaining FlexibleConclusion and Call to ActionShow NotesAero Benefits: https://www.arrowbenefitsgroup.com/LinkedIn:Andrew McNeil: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-d-mcneil-054a2616...2023-05-2245 min
BenefitsTV the PodcastBenefitsTV: The Future of Health Insurance in the North BayBenefits TV - Episode 1 In this episode of Benefits TV, Andrew and Rosario discuss various topics related to the future of employer sponsered employee benefits, including the importance of communication and transparency in benefit plans, different learning styles among employees, and the value of employee ideas.Chapters:IntroductionThe importance of communication and transparencyDifferent learning styles of employeesThe value of employee ideasClosing remarksShow notes:Zappos: https://www.zappos.com/Whole Foods: https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/Tune in to hear more about these topics and how they can impact your company's benefit plan.**opinions expressed within...2023-04-2538 min
Benefits InfluencerLeveraging Thought Leadership to Win Small Group Business w/ Rosario Avila & Andrew McNeilDennis interviews Benefits Advisors Andrew McNeil and Rosario Avila of Arrow Benefits Group. They discuss how winning awards and writing columns contribute to their position as thought leaders in the community and with their clients. They also discuss strategies they've found work well with small group clients in a post-COVID environment. Find Andrew and Rosario on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-d-mcneil-5a45559/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosarioavila/ For more episodes and information check out http://benefitsinfluencer.com/ 2023-01-1129 min
Benefits InfluencerCommunity over Competition: Brokers are Better Together w/ Andrew McNeil & Rosario AvilaIn this episode, Dennis chats with Senior Benefits Advisors Andrew McNeil and Rosario Avila of Arrow Benefits. Andrew and Rosario recently won EBA’s Advisor of the Year. They are the first duo to receive the distinction. We discuss how the pair use the “Power of 2” to collaborate and how industry collaboration goes well beyond the walls of their agency. In the spirit of “Community over Competition”, Andrew and Rosario candidly share some of the innovations that have helped grow Arrow Benefits. Connect at AndrewM@arrowbenefitsgroup.com Benefits Brokers, meet Hunter! your Revenue...2019-11-1324 min