New technologies are no longer a nice-to-have, but a must-have. In fact, the vast majority (92%) of C-suite and HR leaders surveyed by global talent acquisition and management firm Randstad say that they believe technology enhances the attraction, engagement and retention of employees. That’s up from 79% who said the same in 2016.
Behind this industry transformation are our 2019 Digital Innovators, individuals driving these technologies and making these innovations possible. After poring through dozens of nominations from Employee Benefit News and Employee Benefit Adviser readers, editors consulted with industry experts and called on their own field of knowledge to choose this year’s award recipients.
From virtual reality and digital voice assistants to a benefits television station and text analysis tools, new technology is transforming the industry by helping employers and employees better engage in healthcare, benefits and the workplace in general.
His innovation: Tim O’Neil, executive director, employee benefits and wellness, Meredith is focused on bringing new benefits and technology to the media company’s 6,500 employees across 25 states. This year, he played a key role in redesigning the company’s wellness website, alongside tech company Meliora Technology. O’Neil says it was important that the site was as digital as possible, allowing employees a variety of access points including on their mobile devices. As part of the program, Meredith provides a growing number of benefits including a health assessment, wellness screening and coaching, gym memberships and financial wellness tools. The company also has onsite medical clinics for its New York City and Des Moines office. O’Neil says Meredith is “leveraging an electronic medical records system to build a financial model/business case based on the value of the services performed.”
Why it matters: Because Meredith employees are spread out around the country, using technology to meet them where they are is important, O’Neil says. He’s constantly looking for new ways to engage employees and assesses their feedback. Moving forward, O’Neil says he’s looking at new benefits surrounding student loan refinancing, college savings plans and parental friendly benefits like breast milk shipping or backup childcare. Technology can help him educate more employees on these offerings. “In general, technology has really enhanced our efforts to not only provide great benefits but to educate our employees and their families to leverage those to their advantage,” he says.
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