Got Problems? Who Doesn’t?

An EAP is a great resource for employees to seek help with personal concerns. From anxiety and emotional distress to financial difficulties and relationship concerns, an EAP is here to help. The cost of an EAP for employers is minimal however; the benefits to both the employer and employees can be life changing.

Here at GMS we have contracted with Zeller & Associates to provide this service not only clients of GMS, but to GMS employees as well. Rodd Zeller and his staff bring over 50 years of experience in the industry and remain a well respected resource utilized by many companies offering EAP’s to their employees.

Why Should You Offer an EAP?

1. 100% confidential 
2. Help manage employees who are having personal issues that may lead to performance issues. 
3. Reduce time off work for a disability or emotional issues that can worsen. Some companies have experienced up to a 67% decrease in unplanned absences and tardiness.  
4. A study by the National Institutes of Mental Health reports that 66% of all terminations are personal-problem related. EAPs help you retain employees!
5. A great way to compliment the drug free safety program. 
6. Super quick scheduling times!

What are some advantages for employees?

Free of charge to employees and their family members.

1. Again, 100% confidential
2. Easy access to an already established network of hand picked, qualified, and licensed clinicians.
3. No diagnosis on their medical record or medical history.
4. The knowledge and comfort this resource is available when needed.

Who uses EAPs?

A lot of companies use EAPs. Here’s a case study from General Motors (GM):

• 40% decrease in lost time
• 60% decrease in sickness and accident benefit
• 50% decline in filed grievances
• These savings resulted in $ 3.7 million savings in annual health care costs

It can be difficult to fully quantify the value of an EAP to both employers and employees.  An EAP has the potential to not only create a healthier and more productive workplace, but to also provide life-long benefit to your employees.  Contact GMS today for more information and to enroll! 

Well, that’s a relief.  The employer mandate for 100+ employee companies has been pushed back to 2015 and 50+ employee companies to 2016. No worries until then, right?

Unless you’re the guy who keeps kicking the can down the road hoping that something changes, you’re wrong. There’s a pretty good business book written by Rick Page called Hope is not a Strategy. I’m amazed at how many savvy business owners seem to think that it can be.

The simple truth of the matter is that the Affordable Care Act has changed everything you know or have ever known about health insurance. In fact, it’s completely changed the game. If you think you’ve protected yourself by getting grandfathered in, you’re just going to trip over that same can later.

You do, however, have options.  Larger companies have been self-insuring their healthcare plans for years and in the process been able to grab ahold of costs that were going up even back before today’s expected increases.  Small companies didn’t have that same luxury.  Until now……

GMS has a solution for small companies that want to:

1. Have the predictability of a level monthly cost like a traditional health plan, but with increased savings opportunities.
2. Avoid any potential pitfalls that Community Rating through the ACA may create.
3. Get access to claims data to help them control costs.
4. Have more say in the network of providers their employees can use.
5. Customize their healthcare plans to better serve their employees.

If you’ve ever thought about any of these and think that it could positively impact the benefits package you provide your employees while significantly lowering costs, you need to speak with someone at GMS.  

Think about it. If your workers’ comp premiums were raised without  you knowing why, would you tolerate it?  Unlike workers’ comp, you have a say in who you want your health insurance through. Why should they be held to a different standard than your workers’ comp insurance provider?

What would you say if a prospective employer offered you perks like free catered meals, free fitness classes, tuition reimbursement, unlimited vacation days, and– for the expectant parents out there– four months of paid parental leave? 

You might be tempted to rip the contract out of his or her hand and sign it on the spot—right?

Well, we didn’t make those up. Practical benefits like these are real, and some are being implemented at companies that constantly rank at the top of employee satisfaction lists.

So what does this mean for you as an employer? 

In order to attract and retain the best employees, you should offer competitive compensation, medical benefits, and 401K options that are consistent with your industry and location. Prospective employees will take these more practical benefits into consideration.  

We know most companies won’t be able to afford perks like the big tech giants in California, but here are four ways you could make life a little easier and more enjoyable for your employees. 

Four Affordable Perks for your Small Business to Attract & Maintain the Best Employees

1. Flexible work schedules

More and more, work and life seem to be connected outside of the working environment. Establish guidelines that allow employees to work from home or in the evening if they have something to go to, like a parent teacher conference. 

Or, consider flexible work hours. If getting to work earlier and leaving earlier makes sense for the family schedule, commuting, or other reasons and doesn’t conflict with business operations, then maybe this is something for you to consider. 

Showing flexibility and empathy for employees by allowing flexible schedule will help build a stronger bond, making your company more attractive as a potential employer. It also helps promote a healthy work-life balance, and help make employees’ lives a little easier knowing they have this flexibility. Who wouldn’t want to work for a company that is trying to make life a little easier? 

2. Pet-Friendly Workspace

This one is not for everyone. But if it fits with your company, try allowing pets on specific days (maybe once a month, or once a year to start) to make employees feel more comfortable. Take Your Dog to Work Day is a national event and they talk about building codes, liability issues, and employees’ allergies or phobias to consider before adopting this perk. 

There are many other articles about how to make a workplace pet friendly and tips on creating a dog-friendly workplace.

Boss need convincing? Share these three benefits of pets in the workplace from PetMD: 

Pets in the workspace:

1. Help reduce stress
2. Encourage longer work hours
3. Increase camaraderie

3. Free snacks

While most companies won’t be able to cater every meal like some of the big tech giants, providing coffee & tea, healthy snacks to share, and maybe breakfast every once in a while will help boost morale and keep your employees focused.