When employees hear “employee benefits,” they might think of healthcare, perks, wellness programs, PTO, 401(k) plans or disability coverage. But when HR professionals hear “employee benefits,” they’re likely thinking about cost management, compensation strategies, open enrollment, and—most importantly—compliance. Compliance is a cornerstone of today’s insurance landscape. With that in mind, let’s dive into your December 2025 breakdown of Compliance in Motion.

When employees hear “employee benefits,” they might think of healthcare, perks, wellness programs, PTO, 401(k) plans or disability coverage. But when HR professionals hear “employee benefits,” they’re likely thinking about cost management, compensation strategies, open enrollment, and—most importantly—compliance. Compliance is a cornerstone of today’s insurance landscape. With that in mind, let’s dive into your November 2025 breakdown of Compliance in Motion.

Side Affects host, Kenzie McEvily closes out the three-part series with MB Chief Marketing Officer, Dave Homan, exploring the final three of Robert Cialdini’s 7 Principles of Persuasion: Liking, Social Proof and Unity. In this episode, Dave shares how psychology and human connection can transform benefits communication — from using peer influence and authentic storytelling to fostering a shared culture that drives trust, engagement and participation. Discover how to move beyond information overload and inspire genuine connection between your employees and their benefits.

If you haven’t caught Part I, start there — MB Chief Marketing Officer, Dave and Producer, Kenzie unpacked the first rule of persuasion: reciprocity. In this episode, they continue exploring how behavioral science can transform employee engagement, diving into three new principles of persuasion: scarcity, authority and commitment. From creating urgency without fear, to leveraging expertise authentically, to building lasting commitment through small actions, this episode reveals practical ways HR and benefits professionals can apply psychology to drive connection, motivation, and trust.

Employee benefits shouldn’t feel like a burden - for HR teams to design or for employees to use. Yet, unread open enrollment emails and overlooked preventive care show a disconnect in how we communicate. In this episode, McGohan Brabender’s Chief Marketing Officer, Dave Homan, explores how applying behavioral science and Robert Cialdini’s 7 Principles of Persuasion can help HR and benefits professionals ethically capture attention, build trust and inspire action. Discover how reimagining communication through the lens of human behavior can turn benefits engagement from obligation to connection - motivating, empowering, and energizing your workforce.

When employees hear “employee benefits,” they might think of healthcare, perks, wellness programs, PTO, 401(k) plans or disability coverage. But when HR professionals hear “employee benefits,” they’re likely thinking about cost management, compensation strategies, open enrollment, and—most importantly—compliance. Compliance is a cornerstone of today’s insurance landscape. With that in mind, let’s dive into your October 2025 breakdown of Compliance in Motion.

When employees hear “employee benefits,” they might think of healthcare, perks, wellness programs, PTO, 401(k) plans or disability coverage. But when HR professionals hear “employee benefits,” they’re likely thinking about cost management, compensation strategies, open enrollment, and—most importantly—compliance. Compliance is a cornerstone of today’s insurance landscape. With that in mind, let’s dive into your September 2025 breakdown of Compliance in Motion.

The power of data is reshaping how organizations deliver their benefits strategies -- especially through the lens of population health. Historically, only large employers had access to meaningful data insights. But in the last decade, this has changed. Now organizations of all sizes can use data to guide smarter decisions, improve outcomes and control costs. In this episode, MB Population Health & Data Strategist, Shelly Cherry shares why data is only as valuable as the strategy behind it. She explains how to use data to its full advantage, why organizations must be open to change and how shifting mindsets is just as critical as the numbers themselves.

When employees hear “employee benefits,” they might think of healthcare, perks, wellness programs, PTO, 401(k) plans or disability coverage. But when HR professionals hear “employee benefits,” they’re likely thinking about cost management, compensation strategies, open enrollment, and—most importantly—compliance. Compliance is a cornerstone of today’s insurance landscape. With that in mind, let’s dive into your August 2025 breakdown of Compliance in Motion.

When employees hear “employee benefits,” they might think of healthcare, perks, wellness programs, PTO, 401(k) plans or disability coverage. But when HR professionals hear “employee benefits,” they’re likely thinking about cost management, compensation strategies, open enrollment, and—most importantly—compliance. Compliance is a cornerstone of today’s insurance landscape. With that in mind, let’s dive into your July 2025 breakdown of Compliance in Motion.

They’re the creative minds behind the curtain -- until now. In this episode, host, Kenzie McEvily and CMO, Dave Homan introduce the full Strategy & Innovation (S&I) team at McGohan Brabender. Meet the eight talented individuals who bring benefits to life through clear, engaging and customized communication strategies. From writing and design to video production and digital tools, this team helps simplify complex healthcare messaging, boost employee engagement and reduce the burden on HR teams. Whether it’s Open Enrollment or year-round communication, they specialize in making benefits not just understandable -- but fun. Tune in to hear how the S&I team supports both internal teams and clients, and why their work is crucial to a better benefits experience.

Choosing the right benefits broker is one of the most important decisions an employer can make — and we’re breaking it down with MB Chief Growth Officer Anne Marie Singleton. Hosts, Kenzie McEvily and Dave Homan explore why companies go to market, what red flags to watch for and why RFPs might not tell the whole story. Anne Marie shares practical steps for evaluating brokers, the key questions to ask, and how to build lasting, strategic partnerships. Whether you're shopping for a new advisor or evaluating your current one, this episode is packed with expert advice to guide your decision.

In this episode of Side Affects, host Kenzie McEvily and guest co-host, EVP of MB Columbus, Kevin Grabeman sit down with Dr. David Lee, President of the OhioHealthy Medical Plan, to explore innovative alternatives to traditional health insurance. OhioHealthy, backed by the trusted OhioHealth system, is reshaping the benefits landscape with a focus on simplicity, value-based care and better outcomes for employers and their teams. Dr. Lee shares how OhioHealthy balances affordability with personalized support, coordinated care, and transparent pricing. Tune in to learn how this nontraditional solution could be a game-changer for your organization’s health plan strategy.

In this episode of Side Affects, hosts Kenzie McEvily and Dave Homan sit down with Dr. Jeff Eichholz, VP of Pharmacy Solutions at McGohan Brabender, to unpack the rapidly evolving world of pharmacy. From the rise of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, to the growing influence of digital pharmacies and international prescription access, Dr. Jeff shares expert insights on the trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the future of pharmacy. Whether you’re an HR leader, benefits manager, or just curious about where pharmacy is heading, this episode offers a clear, compelling look at what’s next - and how it affects us all.

Mental health is no longer optional in the workplace - it’s essential. In this episode of Side Affects, hosts Kenzie McEvily and Dave Homan sit down with Tiffany Kuck, Director of Population Health at McGohan Brabender, to discuss how Mental Health First Aid Training is transforming corporate wellness. From skyrocketing stress levels to legal landmines in wellness programs, we uncover the biggest challenges employers face - and the strategies that actually work. Plus, find out how some companies are saving on healthcare costs, boosting productivity, and staying legally compliant while creating a healthier, happier workforce. Tune in for expert insights, real-world success stories, and actionable takeaways!

When employees hear “employee benefits,” they might think of healthcare, perks, wellness programs, PTO, 401(k) plans or disability coverage. But when HR professionals hear “employee benefits,” they’re likely thinking about cost management, compensation strategies, open enrollment, and—most importantly—compliance. Compliance is a cornerstone of today’s insurance landscape. With that in mind, let’s dive into your February 2025 breakdown of Compliance in Motion.

When employees hear “employee benefits,” they might think of healthcare, perks, wellness programs, PTO, 401(k) plans or disability coverage. But when HR professionals hear “employee benefits,” they’re likely thinking about cost management, compensation strategies, open enrollment, and—most importantly—compliance. Compliance is a cornerstone of today’s insurance landscape. With that in mind, let’s dive into your January 2025 breakdown of Compliance in Motion. Segment 1: Telehealth Relief for HSAs - Where Do We Stand? Segment 2: ACA Reporting Relief - Easing the Burden Segment 3: Group Hospital Indemnity Plans - A Court Decision to Note Segment 4: PCORI Fee Adjustment for 2025 Segment 5: The Contraceptive Coverage Rule - A Pause on Changes Segment 6: Employee Leave and Benefits - FAQs

On today’s episode of Side Affects, hosts Kenzie McEvily and Dave Homan explore the emerging landscape of alternative health plans with Senior Consultant Dean Stitz. As healthcare costs continue to rise, many employers and employees are searching for innovative, non-traditional options that offer flexibility and tailored solutions. Dean dives into popular alternatives like Side Car, Ohio Healthy and the ICHRA model, explaining how each approach can empower organizations and individuals to manage healthcare on their own terms. From cash-pay structures to systems where hospitals act as insurers, we’ll unpack the benefits, challenges, and the ideal fit for these plans. So, if you’re curious about new directions in healthcare, this episode is packed with insights to help you decide if non-traditional plans might be the right fit for your needs. Let’s get started!

Producer, Kenzie McEvily is back with Dave Homan, Chief Marketing Officer at McGohan Brabender, for Part 2 of his 10 Non-Negotiables for Benefit Communication. In this follow-up episode, Dave shares the remaining essentials, drawing on nearly 30 years of experience in the benefits industry and a year spent researching the psychology behind effective communication. Ever wonder why adding movement to your slides makes a difference? Or what the movie Rain Man can teach us about keeping text minimal? Tune in to find out! Dave wraps up his insights with practical tips to ensure your next open enrollment presentation captivates and engages your audience from start to finish.

In this episode, Digital Experience Producer Kenzie flips the script, interviewing co-host-turned-guest Dave Homan, Chief Marketing Officer at McGohan Brabender. With open enrollment season in full swing, it's time to rethink how we present employee benefits. Too often, these presentations are bogged down by text-heavy PowerPoints with presenters reading straight from the slides. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Join us for Part 1 of Dave’s 10 Non-Negotiables for Benefit Communication, where he shares the first five essentials for delivering impactful messages. Discover how simplicity, storytelling, and smart presentation strategies can engage your employees and transform your benefit communication. Don't miss these actionable tips to make your next presentation unforgettable!