Navigating Benefits Renewals Post COVID

Issued date: 10/08/20

Schulman Insurance has skillfully adapted our usual procedures to conform to the “new normal” of a world struck by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many employers have faced the issue of how to handle benefits renewals when social distancing measures and limits on the number of people gathering have been implemented. Historically, we have held benefits presentations in-person, allowing employees to engage with our brokers in real time. However, for the safety of all, we have had to adjust our usual practices.

To solve these issues using the latest technology, we offer our clients the use of our preferred HR software, Employee Navigator, at no cost. Over the past few years, Employee Navigator has allowed us to gather employee plan elections, provide important documents, and interact electronically with employees seamlessly. Ahead of the learning curve on technology, our staff is well-versed in converting your current benefits systems to a 100% electronic and paperless system. We are also knowledgeable on implementing an integration with existing payroll services and other tools clients may already have in place. In addition, we provide our clients with a secure documents portal for uploading and sharing sensitive information.  

Benefits presentations are performed through video services such as Zoom, which have webinar and Q&A capabilities. Often, multiple team members are on hand during these meetings to efficiently address employee questions and concerns, while others are presenting the material. We have also been able to set up private rooms for employees who wish to discuss sensitive matters but prefer to do it face-to-face. Our team also creates customized open enrollment and new hire materials which can be provided to your employees electronically.