Employee benefits become ‘whole person focused’

Employee wellness begins with financial stability, a survey of ManTech workers revealed.

Julie Anna Barker, ManTech’s chief human resource officer, discussed some takeaways from that worker survey during the AHIP Medicare, Medicaid, Duals and Commercial Markets Forum in Washington.

The survey showed that employees want “whole person priority,” which Barker defined as “giving the highest priority to offerings in line with their life moments.” Those offerings include 401(k) plans and paid time off.

When it comes to their benefits, workers were concerned over the cost of premiums but they also wanted flexibility in accessing those benefits. Barker said ManTech responded by offering point-of-need benefits such as virtual physical therapy and an oncology navigator.

Tracy Watts, senior partner and U.S. leader for healthcare policy at Mercer, said ManTech’s findings line up with Mercer’s survey of employers. Employers said their top three benefits strategies are:

1. Measuring the performance of health programs to determine their value to employees.
2. Managing high-cost claims.
3. Providing access to mental health services.

“The employers we surveyed said they are integrating financial wellness into their employee benefits,” she said.

Barker said ManTech has been “intentional in supporting the family unit,” offering its employees extended parental leave, infertility coverage, and adoption and surrogacy support. In addition, the company has focused on achieving advanced clinical outcomes, putting in place nurse coordinators to help workers navigate care.

ManTech also made a $1 million investment to give everyone on its staff an extra day off each year and created a chatbot to provide 24/7 HR support to workers.

Watts said employers have told her they view their health plan as a partner.

“The industry is aligning around more human-centered health care,” she said. “Great momentum is building around whole-person care. Employers are rethinking how health care is delivered, paid for and experienced.”

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Susan Rupe is editor in chief, magazine, for InsuranceNewsNet. She formerly served as communications director for an insurance agents' association and was an award-winning newspaper reporter and editor. Contact her at [email protected].