Press & Interviews
Power of Two: Employee Benefits as a business growth strategy
By Arrow advisors Rosario Avila & Andrew McNeil, North Bay Business Journal Columnists
By treating benefits as a selling point companies can maximize their return on investment.
Benefits are often viewed as a necessary expense; an HR function aimed at compliance. But forward-thinking business leaders know that they are more than just a major cost center; they understand that they are a strategic tool that can drive business growth, improve employee satisfaction, and enhance the bottom line.
North Bay Business Journal – April 2025
EBN Benefits Think: Power juggling the roles of broker by day, dad by night
By Andrew McNeil, Senior Benefits Consultant
How being a parent improved one broker’s time-management skills and gave him a deeper understanding of the work-life challenges many face, “When I started in this industry, my biggest concern was mastering the insurance industry…fast forward to 2025 and any professional challenge I now face is intertwined with the joys and demands of raising three enthusiastic kids.
Photo credit: (Adobe Stock)
Employee Benefit News – March 2025
The Power of Two: A new perspective on retaining key employees
By Arrow advisors Rosario Avila & Andrew McNeil, North Bay Business Journal Columnists
Do you have a star player on your team? Remember, championships aren’t won by a single player. Losing key employees is costly and disruptive, but is avoidable…in sports, championships aren’t won by just one player, they are won by a well-balanced team. The same holds true in business. No matter how talented an individual contributor may be, a company’s success depends on a cohesive team, where key players feel valued and engaged.
Photo credit: (Shutterstock)
North Bay Business Journal – March 2025
Top 10 employee benefits priorities for 2025
By Arrow advisors Rosario Avila & Andrew McNeil, North Bay Business Journal Columnists
The top 10 priorities employers should focus on in 2025 to support their workforce. When it comes to benefits, employers should implement technology platforms that allow employees to customize their benefits packages based on their stage in life as well as their personal needs.
Photo credit: (Deemerwha/Shutterstock)
North Bay Business Journal – January 2025
Why the benefits user experience matters most
By Arrow advisors Rosario Avila & Andrew McNeil, North Bay Business Journal Columnists
When it comes to benefits, if employees feel that cost-cutting comes at the expense of their well-being, then it may be time to revise your benefits package. Savings on employee benefits is one thing, but If a cost-saving tool requires multiple steps, complex logins, or difficult-to-understand processes, employees won’t use it.
Photo credit: (One Photo/Shutterstock)
North Bay Business Journal – February 2025
How to Keep Your Best Employees
By Arrow advisors Rosario Avila & Andrew McNeil, North Bay Business Journal Columnists
The resignation letter lands on your desk from someone you least expected — one of your top performers. As you read their diplomatic words about “pursuing other opportunities,” you wonder if this could this have been prevented. The answer, often, is yes.
Leadership development, competitive compensation, and recognition programs can foster engagement and loyalty within the workforce.
Photo credit: (Shutterfly)
North Bay Business Journal – December 2024
EBN Benefits Think: The double-edged sword of working for a family operation
By Mariah Shields, Senior Benefits Consultant
Senior Benefits Consultant Mariah Shields talks opportunities and challenges associated with being the boss’s daughter and striking the right work-life balance. I will always be seen as the boss’s daughter, regardless of my achievements. On the other hand, I’ve been gifted an unrelenting and unwavering mentor. It’s a distinctive blend of inspiration and disintegration of work-life-balance that keeps things interesting.
Photo credit: (Adobe Stock)
Employee Benefit News – November 2024
The Power of Two: Understanding Your Hispanic Workforce
By Arrow advisors Rosario Avila & Andrew McNeil, North Bay Business Journal Columnists
We just celebrated National Hispanic Heritage Month, the perfect time to focus on understanding this rising — yet often underserved — segment of U.S. workers. By 2050, one-third of U.S. residents will be Spanish speakers – well-informed employers will build a work environment that values and honors this component of the labor force.
Photo credit: (Owlie Productions / Shutterstock)
North Bay Business Journal – October 2024
Benefits Think – Cultural understanding unlocks engagement of Hispanic workforces
By Rosario Avila
Our nation ranks as one of the largest Spanish-speaking countries in the world. By 2050, one-third of U.S. residents will be Spanish speakers, and all this rapid growth is reflected in the workforce.
Benefit advisers realize that Hispanic and Latino employees represent an important segment across their book of business. As this population continues to grow, the demographic shift demands a more tailored and inclusive approach to employee benefits — one that recognizes and addresses the unique challenges faced by Hispanic workers.
Photo credit: (Adobe stock)
Employee Benefit News – September 2024
The Power of Two: Breaking down rising health care costs and options
By Arrow advisors Rosario Avila & Andrew McNeil, North Bay Business Journal Columnists
As health care costs rise, organizations must remain vigilant in evaluating their options and adapting benefits program strategies.
Two popular options are fully-insured and self-insured plans. However, with double digit increases driving costs sky high, another option is gaining more interest: captive insurance arrangements. Each operates on fundamentally different principles — understanding each is crucial to optimize a long-term benefits strategy.
Photo credit: (Chompoo Suriyo / Shutterstock)
North Bay Business Journal – August 2024