Friends with Employee Benefits

In this episode, host Jeff Cross sits down with Jon Cooper, Founder and CEO of Overalls, to explore how employees lose 17% of their workday to personal life distractions, and what employers can do to reclaim that time. Cooper shares the surprising range of issues Overalls tackles and why a broad, comprehensive support model outperforms traditional point solutions. Together, they dig into the impressive ROI organizations are seeing as employees regain hours of productivity. Tune in to discover why reducing distraction isn’t just compassionate—it’s a strategic advantage.  Music By: Colin Cross Music

Employers are spending more than ever on healthcare, yet many benefits go underused and employees remain unsure how to navigate them. The problem isn’t the benefits themselves, but the outdated ways they’re managed and communicated. In this episode, host Jeff Cross talks with Rohan D’Souza, Co-Founder & CEO of Avante, about how AI is transforming benefits. Together, they explore how AI-powered real-time employee guidance and continuous insight into benefit usage and sentiment can help organizations lower costs, improve utilization, and build smarter strategies - including how we here at OneDigital have implemented it for our own employee population. If you’re looking for practical ways to make your benefits work harder through the power of AI – for both your people and your bottom line – this episode is for you.Music By: Colin Cross Music

Tired of watching your employee benefits costs climb year after year?In this episode of Friends with Employee Benefits, we explore how one company broke free from the costly, fully insured model and took control with a self-funded approach using a group healthcare captive. Our guest, Anthony Luis, Director of Human Resources and Administration at Horst Engineering, shares their phased journey to combat premium volatility — a strategy that delivered zero employee premium increases for two consecutive years. Host Jeff Cross and Anthony get into the broker collaboration required to manage an unbundled plan, what all employers need to know about making the move to self-funding, and how Horst's leadership team embraced the flexibility and transparency that came with the transition. Whether you’re a small business or a large employer, this episode is essential listening for anyone looking to optimize employee benefits, control costs, and invest in a healthier, happier workforce. Tune in now and learn how to turn benefits from a budget burden into a strategic advantage.Music By: Colin Cross Music

In this episode, host Jeff Cross speaks with Brian Cutler, CEO of Loureiro Engineering, an employee-owned global engineering company based in Plainville, Connecticut. Brian shares the compelling story behind Loureiro Engineering's decision to transition from a traditional group health insurance plan to an Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA after several years of high renewals. The two get into the benefits and challenges of implementing an ICHRA, the steps his team took to make the switch, and how this change is supporting both the company’s bottom line and its people. He shares the mistakes he made that led him to going down the ICHRA path and what he'd share with other companies who find themselves in a similar situation. If you’re a small or mid-sized business leader searching for better ways to offer health coverage—this episode is for you. Music By: Colin Cross Music

Did you know that caregiving is the second leading reason employees leave the workforce, right after retirement?*  In this insightful episode, host Jeff Cross sits down with George Nightingale and Adriana Medina from Homethrive to shine a light on the often-overlooked challenges faced by working caregivers. The conversation reveals how many employees don’t even realize they’re caregivers — leading to hidden effects on productivity, wellbeing, and financial health. Together, these three explore why employers frequently underestimate the prevalence of caregiving among their teams and discuss the significant advantages of offering support systems like Homethrive. Tune in to discover practical strategies for recognizing and supporting caregivers in your organization, and learn how proactive solutions can benefit both employees and employers alike. Music By: Colin Cross Music*Harvard Business School’s Project on Managing the Future of Work report.

In this episode, we sit down with Darrin Tulley, Fractional Operating and People Officer at Koster Keunen, a global manufacturer of waxes. During this conversation, we dive into the world of fractional work—a growing trend that’s changing how companies and professionals connect. Darrin explains why more organizations are turning to fractional roles, and how this approach brings fresh talent, greater engagement, and flexibility for everyone involved. And if you’re passionate about workplace culture, you won’t want to miss Darrin’s insights on building a “people-first” organization. He draws powerful parallels between the productivity of a healthy “beehive” and the success of a thriving workforce, showing us how active listening, genuine empathy, and consistent action can transform a company from the inside out.Music By: Colin Cross Music

We recently sat down with Daniel Lawhon, the driving force behind First Tracks Health. Daniel shares his unique journey and sheds light on the current mental health landscape, exploring why anxiety and depression are on the rise and what employers can do to support their teams. Jeff Cross and Daniel dive deep into the challenges of accessing quality, affordable care, and how First Tracks Health is pioneering solutions for treatment-resistant mental health conditions. From the debate over medication versus holistic approaches to practical strategies employers can implement today, this episode is packed with actionable insights and fresh perspectives. Whether you’re an HR leader, a business owner, or simply passionate about mental wellness, you’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of how to foster a healthier, more resilient workplace.Music By: Colin Cross Music

John Lufburrow, Chief Revenue Officer at ReviveHealth, joins Jeff Cross on the podcast to discuss how employers can move past the traditional EAP programs to drive greater impact on their workforces' mental health. From their successful virtual care clinic solution to mental health Rx (not what you think it is!) and weight health vs. weight loss, these two have a great conversation around how a well-designed mental health strategy is fundamental to an organization's ability to thrive. If you're curious how to support your employees' mental health where they need it most, this episode is for you.Music By: Colin Cross Music

According to the 2025 Employer Health Care Strategy Survey by Business Group on Health, 27% of an employer's healthcare spending was due to pharmacy costs in 2023, up from 21% in 2021. And it's not slowing down anytime soon as this becomes one of the fastest-growing expense categories for businesses.To understand why pharmacy costs continue to rise, we invited Richard Lo, Director of Clinical Services on OneDigital's Pharmacy Consulting team, to help our listeners navigate the intricate world of pharmacy benefits. From GLP-1s rise on the scene as a weight loss drug and the highly-debated rebate game to the impact tariffs may have on medications, host Jeff Cross and Richard tackle almost every topic employers are concerned about when it comes to their pharmacy plans. The two also dive into how drug pricing works and innovative strategies employers have started to implement to manage and optimize their pharmacy benefit spend. If you're a business leader looking to optimize your pharmacy benefits and get a better handle on the pharmaceutical industry overall, this episode is packed with valuable insights and information to take back to your organization.Music By: Colin Cross Music

We sat down with Dr. Brian Williams, a family medicine physician in Mystic, Connecticut, to get his perspective on the current healthcare system in America and how we, as individuals, can live healthier lifestyles as well as create healthier workplaces for our employees. During this discussion, we delve into why we don't see ads for broccoli or fish on TV, the controversial role GLP-1s play in weight management, and what the state of primary care is in this country. We also ask Dr. Williams how we can shift from a reactive sick-care model to a proactive well-care system and what actionable steps we can take, both individually and collectively, to promote healthier habits. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that aims to inspire healthier lifestyles and systemic change.Music By: Colin Cross Music

Friends with Employee Benefits is back with another season and this time, we're focused on one underlying theme: help employers contain their healthcare cost by, among other things, helping their employees live healthier lifestyles. This season, we’re tackling the biggest challenges in healthcare today: the obesity crisis, the rise of GLP-1s medications and skyrocketing pharmacy costs. But we’re not stopping there. We’re diving into financial, mental and physical health – the mind-body connection, the financial stress-health link, and why America’s healthcare system focuses on sick care instead of prevention – and how that needs to change. We’re going to be sitting down with doctors, CEOs and HR professionals, pharmacy consultants, forward-thinking tech businesses, legislators and more – all with one goal – to answer the question: how are we impacting the health of our employees, and in turn, the health of the business. If you’re ready for real talk, great insights, and practical solutions as it relates to all things healthcare, this season is for you. Tune in and let’s rethink healthcare – together! Music By: Colin Cross Music

In today’s competitive job market, finding skilled workers has become a pressing challenge for employers across various industries. Jim Bologa, President and CEO at Porter & Chester Institute, joins Jeff Cross to share valuable insights and strategies to help bridge the skills gap. The two speak on workforce shortages and explore how Porter & Chester works with employers across New England to help solve this problem.  Music By: Colin Cross Music 

100% retention in 24 months in this labor market? Sounds impossible - but that's been the reality for The Walker Group and co-CEO, Jessica Rich, who over the past year helped her organization turn to a Perpetual Purpose Trust (PPT) ownership structure. PPT for short, made most popular by Patagonia recently turning to this structure in 2022, legally empowers a company to organize around its purpose, rather than just profit. In this episode, Jeff Cross, podcast host, and Jessica Rich dive into why the Walker Group looked into PPT, what it has done for their business, their employees, and the community as well as why employers are reaching out to learn more about this ownership structure. Join Jessica and her team for a virtual panel discussion on Wednesday, September 25th, from 12-1 PM EST on their transition to a Perpetual Purpose Trust. Click here to get more details!Check out The Walker Group's website for more details on PPT: https://www.thewalkergroup.com/perpetual-purpose-trustMusic By: Colin Cross Music

Generative AI is, and will continue, to transform the American Workplace. How can HR and business leaders prepare for this change?Vinay Gidwaney, Chief Product Officer and our go-to AI expert at OneDigital, joins Host Jeff Cross, Client Executive, for a discussion around artificial intelligence (AI) - including what it is, where we currently stand with AI, how it's impacting the workplace and what employers can do to protect their business and their people, while also taking advantage of the opportunities that come with new technology. 45 minutes packed with what you can expect to continue to see from AI, what AI will never replace and how those who take advantage now will be well positioned in the future.  Music By: Colin Cross Music

Mental health awareness is more than just one month out of the year. It's a year-round opportunity to continue to show up for your employees so they can do their best work and live their best life. And that's how Lisa Harris, Chief People Officer, and Jody Breault, Manager of Benefits and Wellness at VEIC, view their workforce strategy. In this conversation, host Jeff Cross chats with Lisa and Jody about the innovative ways they are supporting their employees' mental health and wellbeing to create a positive workplace environment. Topics include their mental health initiatives, "focus + finish Fridays," employee engagement ideas for a remote workforce, and leadership buy-in.  Music By: Colin Cross Music

With the workforce becoming increasingly diverse year over year, employers are struggling with finding the right type of benefits that fit all their employees' needs. But there's one benefit that's ranked as the second most valuable employee benefit among all age groups, demographics, and industries: lifestyle spending accounts (LSAs). Tune into this episode as the host and guests dive into what LSA's are, why they are gaining traction amongst many different types of employers, how they work, and the success stories - directly from an employer who's leveraging them.   Music By: Colin Cross Music

In this quick hit episode, we'll cover why SECURE 2.0 was created, what the impact will mean for your organization + your people, what deadlines are approaching, and what employers should be thinking about now to implement in the future. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, accounting, legal or tax advice. Any tax advice contained herein is of a general nature. You should seek specific advice from your tax professional before pursuing any idea contemplated herein.Music By: Colin Cross Music

In this episode, Host Jeff Cross is joined by Travis Dommert, SVP of Talent at OneDigital, for a candid conversation around why retaining your employees is not the answer when an organization is building their workforce strategy. Travis challenges the status quo by identifying how changing one word can completey alter the way leaders show up for their people and how employees view their managers - in the best way.  Music By: Colin Cross Music

Paul LaVoie, Chief Manufacturing Officer for the State of Connecticut, joins Host Jeff Cross for a conversation about the state of manufacturing in CT and the impact the current workplace challenges are having on this. The two dive into topics such as staffing, the great resignation, the impact of a recession, bringing more work to CT and more. If you are a business leader in the CT manufacturing space, you do not want to miss this episode. Music By: Colin Cross Music

Before you press play, make sure you go back to Part 1 released on January 10th to hear the first part of this conversation between Host Jeff Cross and David Tate.Being able to promote accountability is essential for organizational success. But the realities of how work has changed demand a new approach to accountability that supports results, people, and a culture of continuous improvement. Host Jeff Cross sat down with David Tate, Psychologist, Executive Coach, Professor at Yale, and Co-Author of his recently released book, "Conscious Accountability", to discuss why accountability is so important and how can leaders can leverage this idea of "conscious accountability" to make their organization more effective and a better place to work. An episode that is full of golden nuggets and great insights - perfect for any employer looking to make their business a destination workplace. Music By: Colin Cross Music

Being able to promote accountability is essential for organizational success. But the realities of how work has changed demand a new approach to accountability that supports results, people, and a culture of continuous improvement. Host Jeff Cross sat down with David Tate, Psychologist, Executive Coach, Professor at Yale, and Co-Author of his recently released book, "Conscious Accountability", to discuss why accountability is so important and how can leaders can leverage this idea of "conscious accountability" to make their organization more effective and a better place to work. It was such a great conversation that we had to split it into 2 parts - tune into to part 1 now! Music By: Colin Cross Music

With being almost a full year into the new Connecticut Paid Family and Medical Leave program, we decided to sit down with a CT-based employer to find out how things are going. Kate Pikul, HR Director at Avid Marketing, shares her experiences with the state plan, how her team and employees are finding the process, what hurdles they are still facing and what's next as they look at the private plan options. This 40-minute episode is packed full of great insight into the CT PFML program - take a listen and let us know what you think!For more information on CT PFML, check out our website here: https://www.onedigital.com/ct-paid-leave/ Music By: Colin Cross Music

Rachel Waldmann, Sr. Manager of Employee Experience at Privy, joined us this week to discuss the shift we are seeing from the term "Human Resources" to this idea of the People Experience and how employees are expecting more from their employers, brought on by the pandemic and the Great Resignation. The two also get into this idea of being happy at work; why employers should care about their employee's happiness level and ways that HR professionals and other leaders in the organization can get their teammates more engaged at work. Lastly, Host Jeff Cross asks Rachel where she sees the future of HR heading.  Music By: Colin Cross Music

Most likely, the vast majority of your employees have or are currently experiencing some sort of trauma brought on by current life events. Inflation, rising gas prices, the war in Ukraine, political divisiveness - just to name a few of the ongoing stories hitting the 5:00 news that are causing stress levels to rise and distracting us from being able to focus on our daily tasks. Adrienne Rouan, Executive Trauma Coach, sits down with Jeff Cross for a candid conversation around how we can better manage the amount of turmoil going on in across the country and the world. The two also get into how to prevent divisiveness between colleagues at work, and what we can do during Mental Health Awareness month to better support our employees' and our own mental wellbeing. This is 29 minutes packed with great insights and open dialogue - grab your coffee (or tea!) and enjoy.Music By: Colin Cross Music

Karen Casey, Head of People & Culture at Canidae Pet, joined Host Jeff Cross this week to discuss an important topic that all human resource professionals run into at some point in their career: managing poor performers. The two get into a great discussion around coaching vs. managing, how much time performance improvement plans should be given, how the employee's role in the workplace culture may be just as important as their performance, advice for when you have to let someone go, how to deal with the fall-out amongst other employees, and more. There's a lot packed into this 36-minute episode and for good reason. If you are in HR, or have a part in the people side of your organization, give this a listen! Music By: Colin Cross Music

58% of those who are feeling stressed, depressed, and lonely attribute it to financial problems.* Whether employers realize it or not - a majority of their employees are dealing with financial stress which leads to distractions at work and decreased productivity. For business leaders who truly care about their employees and want them to be able to thrive at work while also being ready to retire on time, tune into this episode with Gordon Oliver at Cambridge Credit Counseling. You'll walk away with actionable steps you can put into place now to better support your workforce moving forward. *John Hancock. "The impact of the pandemic on stress, finances, and well-being." August 2021. Music By: Colin Cross Music

Tune into this episode with Rebecca Sarkosi, Associate & Director of Interior Design, as she dives into something most employers forget about when putting together their strategy for combatting the great resignation: the physical workplace. During this discussion, Rebecca shares with Jeff how employers can leverage their office space to help their employees feel more comfortable coming back into the office. Topics include what changes employers are making to the workplace since COVID-19, making the commute more appealing and how the office space can aid in stress management.Music By: Colin Cross Music

Stephanie Johnson, Training Consultant, joins Jeff Cross on our first episode of 2022 to chat about hiring diversely. Employers have been prioritizing their DE&I efforts over the past few years, but many are still struggling with where to start. Stephanie dives into what it means to hire diversely, the steps HR professionals should take to ensure they are increasing the diversity in their applicant pool, where she finds they usually get stuck and how blind resumes and interviews play a role in the process. Here are additional resources to support the conversation:https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/behavioral-competencies/global-and-cultural-effectiveness/pages/beyond-the-numbers-creating-a-truly-diverse-organization.aspxhttps://www.forbes.com/sites/alineholzwarth/2021/02/18/how-to-actually-hire-for-diversity/?sh=40dcba8846f9https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/talent-acquisition/pages/8-diversity-recruiting-mistakes-how-to-avoid-them.aspxhttps://sapientinsights.com/capabilities-diversity-equity-inclusion/Music By: Colin Cross Music

Sara Martin, CEO at WELCOA, joins the podcast to chat about her thoughts on the Great Resignation, how mental health has played a role, what employers and leaders should be doing about it and where she sees the future of work heading. An impactful 30-minute episode for any organization looking to support their workforce holistically in 2022. Music By: Colin Cross Music

Sleep happens outside of work hours - so why should employers care about their employees sleeping habits? Patrick Yam, CEO at Somnology, joins Host Jeff Cross, to dive into this and address the impact sleep has on employer-sponsored health plans as well as employee wellbeing, in addition to what HR professionals can do to better support their employees during the Q4 stress. Music By: Colin Cross Music

With less than 3 months to go before Connecticut Paid Leave Benefits kick-in, employers and HR professionals across the state are looking for answers as it relates to the process of applying and tracking claims, if a private plan option is still advantageous, and why employers should be holding on to their STD plans. Ben and Chris from the Principal join Host Jeff Cross to answer these questions and more while providing insight into what they've been seeing in other states. If you still have questions around CT PFML - this is the episode for you.Music By: Colin Cross Music

Dr. Mary Mulcare, Chief Medical Officer at Summus Global, joins Host Jeff Cross in a lively discussion around "care delay," covid regulations on telemedicine that are expiring and how to continue the momentum around leveraging telehealth services. A timely episode as many are heading into Open Enrollment season and are looking to continue to support their employees from a virtual standpoint.About Mary MulcareMary Mulcare, MD, FACEP, is Chief Medical Officer at Summus Global. She oversees the Summus clinical team and supports product, data, and physician network strategy in support of Summus’ mission to provide fast, virtual access to high-quality medical expertise across the care continuum. She completed her Emergency Medicine residency at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, was Chief Resident, and then did a fellowship in Geriatric Emergency Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical Center. Dr. Mulcare was an attending Emergency Medicine physician at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center and is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Emergency Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine.  About Summus Global:Summus Global, the leading virtual specialist platform, empowers families by providing access to a network of 4,000+ top specialists across 48 leading hospitals -- within days, from anywhere in the world. Pioneering the future of corporate health benefits, Summus Global partners with companies across the country to create an elevated healthcare experience for their employees and to support better, cost-efficient outcomes across all health questions and stages of care.  Music By: Colin Cross Music

The recent surge in COVID cases nationwide has upped the stakes for employers in their efforts to maintain safe workplaces for employees. To address the risk related to unvaccinated employee status, employers are evaluating several options that range from a mandate to friendly suggestions. Tune into this episode as we tackle the most pressing questions from employers! Music By: Colin Cross Music

Music By: Colin Cross Music

Back in December, we had US Senator Chris Murphy join the podcast to chat about the future of Healthcare in CT. To get the other side of the aisle, we invited CT State Senator Kevin Kelly to join the podcast to chat about where he sees the future of healthcare going and what the Republican Party is currently doing about it.  Music By: Colin Cross Music

Music By: Colin Cross Music

Music By: Colin Cross Music

Music By: Colin Cross Music

What is the definitive definition of involuntary termination for the COBRA subsidy? Can an employer ask for documentation that an employee has received the vaccine? How can we build vaccine confidence with employees? What are the considerations for those who have moved out of state due to remote work? We tackle your pressing questions during this podcast episode. This discussion was taken from our webinar we hosted back on 4/27.Music By: Colin Cross Music

Music By: Colin Cross Music

Looking for helpful CT Paid Leave resources? Look no further:OneDigital Connecticut Paid Leave PortalOnDemand Webinar: CT Paid Leave & Absence Management: Which Way is Up?Employer FAQ PageMusic By: Colin Cross Music

Music By: Colin Cross Music

As work changes, so does the dynamic between employee and employer. An entirely new approach to engagement and performance is influencing the nature of work and challenging the fundamental elements of the traditional employee-employer relationship. To dig into this shift further, download our 2020-2021 Emerging Trends in HR & Workforce Management Guide.Music By: Colin Cross Music

This recording was taken from a live webinar hosted on 1/28. To watch the on-demand experience and access the resources mentioned during this conversation, click here.Music By: Colin Cross Music

Music By: Colin Cross Music

About Senator MurphyChristopher Scott Murphy is an American politician and author serving as the junior United States Senator from Connecticut since 2013. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously served in the United States House of Representatives, representing Connecticut's 5th congressional district from 2007 to 2013. Music By: Colin Cross Music

Resources mentioned during this episode:Upcoming ENGAGE Chat on 12/3New York Times Webinar: Music By: Colin Cross Music

Dig more into these news stories here:Hidden CandyBuddy the BeefaloTrain Saved by Whale Tail14-Year Old Makes Massive DiscoveryPuppy Born Green in ItalyDog Walks 62 Miles to Find OwnerTokyo Toilet ProjectCT Museum Trying For World RecordMusic By: Colin Cross Music

Business & HR Leaders were bracing for rising benefits costs this year - and that was before the pandemic. Pharmacy benefits typically represent nearly 30% of a company's total healthcare expenses and are predicted to increase by roughly 6% annually through 2025. This week's episode dives into what employers can be doing to manage their costs, how to help employees maximize their drug benefit, and the impact the election may have on prescription drugs. About OneDigital Pharmacy Consulting Prescription drugs are not only an integral part of the benefits you offer but ensure your employees receive quality healthcare. In an era of Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) consolidation, skyrocketing specialty drug cost and over-utilization, 10-15% of pharmacy spend is lost due to unfavorable pharmacy contracts. Mismanaged pharmacy benefits can result in excess Rx spend up to 20%.Through a comprehensive clinical review and thorough customer education, OneDigital’s pharmacy consultants take a unique approach that combines an in-depth claims analysis, emphasizes appropriate utilization and a rigorous provider contracting process to take risk-mitigation to the next level. Learn more here.Access our latest Advisory Session mentioned on the podcast, Uncovering the Truth Behind Your Pharmacy Spend.Music By: Colin Cross Mus

It’s an extraordinary time in human capital management. CHRO’s are in lockstep with the c-suite as they determine how to fundamentally reshape how they operate. Leaders are quickly realizing there is no such thing as a “new normal.” Rather, they must completely rethink the employer-employee relationship. Jason Lauritsen, employee engagement expert and keynote speaker, joins the podcast to discuss why employee engagement is crucial to a company's success and what it means in our current environment, what he finds is the biggest issue employers face with engagement, how to leverage feedback the right way to empower employees and much more. If you're in a management position - you must give this a listen. About Jason LauritsenFar too many people are suffering through bad experiences at work. I was one of them. After years of frustration, I discovered that it didn’t have to be this way. That is when I realized my calling: to make work human. Over the past twenty years, I’ve experimented with management and leadership from a variety of perspectives. I’ve been both a start-up CEO and F1000 corporate executive. I’ve led small and large teams. And, I’ve spent well over a decade studying, researching, and designing solutions for employee engagement. Whether I’m speaking, training, writing or consulting, my goal is always the same. To help people think differently about work so they can make work better. I use stories of my life experience as an entrepreneur, executive, spouse, father, and human being to make the message relatable and entertaining.Additional ResourcesWebsite: https://jasonlauritsen.com/Book: Unlocking High PerformanceENGAGE Chat with Sara Tarca: https://www.onedigital.com/engage-chat/Music By: Colin Cross Music