Express Personnel adds immediate benefits access

A key feature of the new benefits is that associates have access to them as soon as they begin working through the company. Previously, they had to work 500 hours to obtain coverage, said Jordanna McLeod, recruiting coordinator for Express Personnel in Springfield.

“Now, there’s no hour minimum,” McLeod said. “As soon as you start an assignment, you are eligible for benefits.”

Under the new benefits plan, offered through Essential Staff Care, a Blue Cross Blue Shield affiliate, Express associates have access to employee-only medical coverage for $18 a week. Employee-plus-one coverage is $36.50 a week and family coverage, including the employee, is $48.67 a week.

The benefits package actually offers three open-enrollment periods: at the time of application with Express; after the first assignment begins; and annually in December.

While McLeod did not know how many of Express Personnel’s Springfield associates are taking advantage of the benefits plan, she said the company already is seeing evidence that the benefits are helping attract associates and clients.

“One of our staffing consultants … has a company that’s going to payroll a part-time (employee) through us because of our benefits, because they can’t afford to offer that on their own,” McLeod said.

She noted that because the benefits are companywide, they can be used by associates who relocate and continue working through Express.

“They know that they have the same benefits available,” she said.

See SBJ’s March 19 issue for more insurance and benefits news.