SHARON, Pa. – During the pandemic, Gilbert’s Risk Solutions, based in Sharon, Pa., noticed greater awareness among its clients about employee benefits and the health of workers.
Gilbert’s specializes in business and personal insurance as well as outsourced human resources.
Health care will remain a major concern for employers because of rising medical costs and the stress that the pandemic has placed on everyone, says Lew Kachulis, president.
“Our team works with employers to find the most cost-effective programs that will provide comprehensive employee benefits,” he says. “We also provide clients with a variety of products and services that will enable them to control health care costs.”
In 2021, Gilbert’s implemented key strategies to help clients with regulatory compliance related to the pandemic.
“We assisted employers in navigating the requirements of the Family First Coronavirus Act and other federal legislation relating to COVID-19,” Kachulis says. “This included responding to both employer and employee inquiries as to their rights and responsibilities under the acts.”
Looking ahead, Gilbert’s anticipates a greater focus on employee recruitment and retention. Employers are experiencing tremendous challenges in filling open positions with qualified employees. Retaining qualified employees has become increasingly important.
“Employee benefits will have to be comprehensive and address employees’ needs to ensure their satisfaction,” Kachulis says. “We work with clients to offer plans that address the needs of their workforce, thereby increasing employee satisfaction and retention.”
Mental health and work-life balance are also areas that will receive more attention, he says. Gilbert’s offers a variety of employee assistance programs to help employers accommodate mental health needs.
The company, founded in 1854, employs 27.