The BNFT Shift

In this episode of The BNFT Shift, host Josh Reinhard sits down with Davida Rivens, Chief Impact Officer at E4E Relief. They explore how workplace giving and emergency financial relief programs help build stronger, more caring organizations, especially as the season of giving brings generosity into focus.Davida shares how support for colleagues goes beyond responding to headline-making disasters. She explains that most needs arise from everyday hardships—like sudden illness or loss of income—and how a well-designed program can provide a safety net when employees need it most. Davida highlights the practical ways companies can make giving accessible, including allowing employees to donate unused paid time off or make small payroll contributions, which add up to real help for those facing tough times.Together, Josh and Davida discuss the positive effects of these programs on employee loyalty, productivity, and community. They encourage HR and benefits leaders to make giving simple and inclusive, helping teams rally around each other and create lasting impact.Guest at a Glance💡 Name: Davida Rivens💡 What they do: Chief Impact Officer💡 Company: E4E Relief💡 Noteworthy: Davida designs and leads employee relief programs, helping companies provide practical financial support to workers facing unexpected hardships.💡 Where to find her: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidarivens/💡 Name: Josh Reinhard💡 What they do: Vice President of Sales💡 Company: PTO Exchange💡 Noteworthy: Josh helps organizations unlock the value of unused paid time off by connecting it to flexible benefits, including charitable giving and employee support funds.💡 Where to find him: https://linkedin.com/in/reinhardjoshua

In this episode of The BNFT Shift, host Josh Reinhard sits down with Jameson Fauver, Senior Vice President at Kashable, and Tom Briggs, Divisional Vice President at Transamerica. Together, they explore how financial stress is shaping the American workforce and the role employers play in supporting employees’ financial wellness.Jameson explains that more workers are living paycheck to paycheck, often without enough savings to cover basic emergencies. He highlights how employers have moved beyond financial education alone, now offering practical tools like safe credit options and flexible benefits. Tom adds that the rise in 401(k) loans and hardship withdrawals signals deeper financial strain across all age groups, not just younger workers. Both guests discuss how solutions like PTO Exchange, emergency savings, and student loan support can help workers avoid risky debt and protect long-term savings.Throughout the conversation, the group emphasizes the value of choice and clear communication. By giving employees access to flexible benefits and helping them understand their options, companies can improve retention, reduce stress, and foster more resilient teams.Guests at a Glance💡 Name: Jameson Fauver💡 What they do: Senior Vice President, Head of Sales and Business Development💡 Company: Kashable💡 Noteworthy: Known for expanding access to affordable credit as a workplace benefit, helping employees avoid high-cost loans and build stronger financial foundations.💡 Where to find him: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameson-fauver-372b0219💡 Name: Tom Briggs💡 What they do: Divisional Vice President💡 Company: Transamerica💡 Noteworthy: Brings deep experience in retirement and benefits strategy, guiding employers to offer holistic financial wellness and practical tools that support employees at every stage.💡 Where to find him: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tombriggsjr/

In this episode of The BNFT Shift, host Josh Reinhard sits down with Michael Erisman to explore how benefits can drive real business value, not just check boxes. Michael shares why HR leaders need to start with business goals before rolling out new programs. He explains that too often, companies rush to implement systems or perks without first asking what problems they want to solve.Michael discusses how culture is shaped by day-to-day experiences, not just top-down policies, and why timing is key when adding structure in growing organizations. He highlights how meaningful benefits—like leave-sharing pools or paid volunteer time—can build stronger teams and foster a sense of belonging. These programs work best when they match both the company’s needs and what employees value most.Throughout the conversation, Michael urges HR leaders to connect with their business, listen to employees, and focus on benefits that create lasting impact. The right choices, he says, can build engagement, retention, and a sense of purpose—without adding unnecessary complexity.Guest-at-a-glance💡 Name: Michael Erisman💡 What he does: HR and People Strategy Advisor💡 Company: Independent (formerly Chief People Officer at Reputation, leadership at DocuSign, Microsoft, Jasper, and more)💡 Noteworthy: Known for designing practical, business-focused HR strategies and building programs—like paid leave and leave-sharing—that drive engagement and connect benefits to real business needs.💡 Where to find him: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelserisman/

In this episode of The BNFT Shift, host Josh Reinhard sits down with Daniel Waite, Director of Human Resources for the Eastern Region at Westgate Resorts. They explore how hospitality leaders can shape workplace culture and benefits to support every employee, from entry-level staff to executives.Dan shares how he puts culture at the center of HR, arguing that every touchpoint—right down to the employee entrance and breakroom—either reinforces or undermines a company's values. He explains why hiring for culture fit and caring for people at every level beats simply offering standard benefits. Dan also discusses why traditional perks like medical and dental coverage are now table stakes, and why creative offerings—like PTO exchange, flexible rewards, or even discounted amusement park tickets—can deliver real value to employees.Throughout the conversation, Dan emphasizes the power of listening to employees, designing culture with intention, and aligning internal practices with the brand experience guests see. His advice underscores that a strong, consistent culture is built by design, not by default.

In the first episode of The BNFT Shift, host Josh Reinhard sits down with Rob Whalen, CEO and co-founder of PTO Exchange, to explore how paid time off is evolving from a static benefit into a flexible, strategic asset. They reflect on how COVID-19 accelerated the shift in employee expectations and exposed the limitations of legacy PTO systems.Rob shares the origin story behind PTO Exchange and breaks down the financial logic that drives adoption—from reducing unused PTO liability to increasing employee engagement. He explains how benefits like earned wage access and flexible PTO conversion can better meet the needs of a multi-generational workforce.Josh and Rob also discuss what’s ahead: portability, personalization, and the growing role of HR tech in financial wellness. Whether you're in HR, finance, or benefits consulting, this episode offers a clear view of where workplace benefits are headed—and why it matters now more than ever.