6 Ways Your PEO Supports Wellbeing for Remote Workers
Richard Branson famously said, “Take care of your employees and they’ll take care of your business.”
These days, that’s a lot harder. Your employees may be working remotely, coming in for extra shifts, or dealing with adjustments to their hours and workload. On top of that, they may also be dealing with financial strain, figuring out what to do about school or childcare for their kids, facing concerns about their health and that of their family members, and any number of other stressors that 2020 has brought their way.
Most of us have never faced a situation quite like this one. Companies have to figure out next steps, sometimes on a daily basis, and that includes how to support employee wellbeing in a time when absolutely nothing is normal.
According to Gallup, wellbeing is one of two critical factors that influence employee performance. And it includes more than just physical health. But how exactly can you provide the support your employees need when “normal” is a distant memory?
The Gallup study looked at five elements that contribute to overall wellbeing:
- Purpose
- Social support
- Finances
- Community
- Physical health
While all of those elements are affected by circumstances outside of work, they can be influenced by on-the-job factors as well. By creating a culture that aims to reduce stress and provide a secure, supportive work environment, employers can help team members avoid burnout and do their best work every day.
The good news is that you don’t have to provide all the assistance by yourself. The resources available through your PEO can help you support your employees as they navigate the many uncertainties they may be facing.
Let’s take a look at 6 ways your PEO can help you promote the wellbeing of your employees:
1. Access to Top-Notch Health Plans
The collective bargaining power of a PEO gives small businesses access to health plans and rates usually only available to large companies with hundreds or thousands of employees. Your PEO may also provide ancillary benefits like vision, dental, and disability insurance.
Insurance and health plans are usually offered through the PEO's group plan. Bear in mind that the PEO may have a minimum number of participants that must sign up for the group plan in order for your business to be eligible for inclusion. It’s also important to compare your current rates with those of the PEO. While most small businesses will get the best rates through the PEO, there are some situations where you can get better coverage on your own (for example, if you have mostly healthy employees and few claims).
Some PEOs offer insurance brokerage services in addition to or in place of the group plan. These PEOs will help you find the best plan based on the specifics of your business.
2. Easy Access to HR Information Through Technology Portal
Nearly all PEOs offer an online portal where employees can access HR information and personal data. When your employees need to know how to apply for FMLA, what is covered by their insurance plan, how to file a claim, or what company policies are, they can find it quickly and easily.
Some PEOs also offer additional features through their technology platform. These may include chat tools, employee discussion forums, chatbots, performance management tools, and role-based content. These services may be especially beneficial for remote employees who can't be physically present in the office. Using the technology portal, they can still interact with colleagues, ask questions, and collaborate on projects.
3. Workers Compensation Support
If you get your workers’ compensation coverage through the PEO, you’ll also receive end-to-end support in the event of a claim. The PEO will walk the claimant through the process, answer questions, and help them file the claim accurately. Because they have handled many of these claims before and have the expertise to make sure all details are managed effectively, the PEO is often able to provide greater stability both for employees and business owners through the claim process.
As the employer, you’ll also benefit from support services such as safety training opportunities and risk management consultations.
4. Training and Development Opportunities
Career development matters to today’s workers, and many of them will stick with a job longer if they have access to training and growth opportunities. In one study, 4 out of 5 employees said that development opportunities contributed to stronger employee engagement.
Training resources and pricing vary among PEOs, so it’s always a good idea to ask about what’s offered when you are looking at options. Here are some of the training opportunities that may be available:
- Online learning management system
- Training library
- Live or prerecorded webinars
- Live regional presentations
Topics may range from diversity training and OSHA procedures to leadership training, conflict resolution, and performance coaching.
For remote workers, online training webinars, courses, and microlearning resources can provide support and learning opportunities when in-person training isn’t available. That’s especially beneficial for new employees who may be onboarding in a remote environment.
5. Grievances and Conflict Resolution
Proactive handling of employee grievances and conflicts can help you resolve issues before they mushroom into team-wide or even company-wide problems. In any type of dispute, communication is vital. A PEO can help facilitate that communication and mediate conflicts in several ways:
- Create policy handbooks and resources to address problems before they arise
- Assess and mitigate risks that could lead to hazards or unsafe working environments
- Provide compliance support
- Answer questions about EEO policies
- Assist with disciplinary action when necessary
- Provide counseling or coaching for employees
6. Access to a Dedicated HR Team
Access to a dedicated HR team can help resolve issues and alleviate stress associated with uncertainty. When your employees have questions about leave policies, workers’ compensation claims, taxes, insurance options, or other HR issues, they need someone who is readily available to help. But that’s not always easy when you’re juggling all the demands of a small business and trying to manage HR at the same time.
Partnering with a PEO gives your employees the extra support they need to find answers to their employment questions. Here are just a few of the things your PEO can help with:
- Payroll questions
- Tax withholdings
- Benefits open enrollment
- OSHA compliance
- Employee relations
- EEO questions and issues
- Family and medical leave policies
- COBRA benefits
- Internal role changes
- Termination questions and policies
Employee engagement is a multi-faceted endeavor. It will require the support and cooperation of company leaders, managers, and colleagues. But good HR support is also a key component of giving employees the support they need, including recourse when a problem arises. PEOs can help by promoting better work-life balance for your employees and higher productivity for the company as a whole.
