How does Wawa translate their cultural ethos into actual programs and benefits for associates? Michelle, a passionate longtime benefits leader at Wawa, gives an insider’s perspective. In this interview, Michelle shares insights into how Wawa strategically leverages its benefits and perks to take care of associates across the organization and deliver on its brand promise to customers.

Read on to learn Michelle’s key lessons on using benefits to enhance associate well-being, boost engagement and retention, streamline systems and processes, and focus on frontline teams. Whether you manage an established retail operation or a growing startup, Michelle’s wisdom will inspire you to rethink the strategic role benefits can play in building an exceptional associate experience.

Neale Hegarty, Executive Vice President of Customer Success at Corestream walks us through how benefits teams from large employers are offering a robust voluntary benefits package to support their employees wellbeing, but without the administrative noise that typically follow these products. Benefits leaders are stuck balancing between the desire to offer more benefits to their employees and all of the competing priorities and costs that need to be taken into consideration each year. Corestream is changing the game when it comes to voluntary benefits, removing the painful administrative work while still driving engagement through employee education and decision support.

It is reported that about two-thirds of employees state that their earnings are not keeping up with the cost of living, and a majority of those individuals would not be able to cover a $500 emergency expense. This financial stress creates friction and a lack of productivity in the workplace, ultimately placing a huge financial impact on employers.

Below is a summarized Q&A from a webinar Corestream did with Jameson Fauver, VP of Business Development with Kashable. Kashable is a voluntary financial wellness benefit that provides employees access to responsible low-cost loans to help pay down existing debt and put them on a path towards their financial goals, ultimately improving their overall health and general satisfaction in the workplace.