Workplace Benefit Solutions

An innovative broker turns to an innovative online solution

Workplace Benefit Solutions (WBS) is a ten year old benefits brokerage and consulting firm based in Manchester, NH. It was founded with the goal of providing regional, mid-size companies with a unique blend of benefit planning and implementation services.

WBS's client base covers many industries, with a focus on employers that range in size from 100 to 3000 employees. In addition to providing their clients a combination of strategic planning, lower rates and a faster response to benefit needs, WBS wanted to find an online benefits provider who would deliver this same value in implementing the programs they recommended.

The appeal of a sophisticated technology solution

HR departments are increasingly looking at employee self-service via online enrollment as a method to become more efficient. Michelle Jukoski, Director of Operations of WBS noted, "The Choicelinx online enrollment system assists us in unifying a client's complete benefits on a single platform so even clients who have multiple locations can have data entered only once." Not only does a client get the end benefit of greater consistency of data quality and less duplication but the previous pain of generating reports from different systems is eliminated.

Quick realization of the online advantages

Jukoski noted that the Choicelinx online enrollment system very quickly proves its value both for new converts as well as experienced employers.

For one client that was switching from a paper enrollment; "This was a huge paradigm shift for a reluctant client. It was very scary at first to do something so modern; they were afraid of losing control. But now they have been able to execute an open enroll- ment easily and have experienced huge savings in terms of time efficiency and are benefitting from the easy reporting capability.

For another client who was moving from an online system they had outgrown, their challenge was reaching so many employees across numerous locations, especially because many were on the road and not sitting behind a desk. With Choicelinx they could log in at home, or wherever they were and easily complete their enrollment online. The improved data was tremendous. The client was very satisfied and still is."

Understanding the Broker-Client relationship

"Working with the Choicelinx team was ideal. They considered both the broker and the client – they didn't exclude us from process as other online enrollment firms have done. They kept us involved throughout the implementation" said Jukoski. She further noted "the Choicelinx attention to detail and strong customer support helped provide a seamless transition and allowed WBS to feel our client was in good hands."

"Choicelinx is always mindful of the broker/ client relationship; both we and our clients were happy and satisfied.

Closing Thought

From a broker perspective Jukoski also noted: "Choicelinx was really helpful in providing them with documentation. What they provide as a standard procedure has become my little Bible for each client – a perfect starting point for the next benefit year."