Anne Burkett is no stranger to navigating open enrollment. While this busy time of year can feel like you’re paddling upstream, Anne is here to lend some guidance and anchor you in the information that really matters: the right technology and a strong partner network can help you reach your benefits engagement goals.
With a background in HR, Anne works as the National Practice Leader, Workforce Solutions at USI. She’ll join our panel during Camp Engage 2023 discussing different ways to support the multi-generational workforce. Read on to learn more about Anne.
Name: Anne Burkett
Title: National Practice Leader, Workforce Solutions
Company: USI
What 3 things would you bring on a camping trip?
Our RV (my tent days are over), my dirtbike or paddle board, and sunscreen.
Tell us a bit about yourself and USI.
I’ve been with USI for more than seven years and am responsible for our client-facing HR technology consulting practice and several other strategic initiatives including voluntary benefits and total rewards.
What gets you up in the morning? What’s your favorite thing about your job?
I absolutely love working at USI; it is an awesome company. We treat our employees right and that leads to treating our clients extremely well.
As for my specific job—I love that every day is different. I wear a lot of hats, and that suits me very well.
What should companies prioritize this year when it comes to helping employees choose, use, and engage with their benefits?
That is a tough one to answer because it depends on where your company is in your benefits strategy as to what is most important.
The first step is a good strategic plan for your benefits so they meet your company goals. Once that is in place, helping employees choose is vital. A decision support tool like ALEX is ideal for meeting employees at the time of decision to help them understand all the benefits that you have thoughtfully put together for them. If you have strong decision support tools, helping employees engage and use their benefits becomes the priority.
Ultimately, you want your employees to see the value in YOUR benefits plan (not the insurance carrier’s plan). That will help you attract and retain top talent.
What’s your top piece of advice for HR professionals you’d like to share when it comes to open enrollment?
Don’t fret! I know it can seem overwhelming at times, getting ready for open enrollment and then getting through it. Patience and wine—just kidding! Technology should work to make everything easier and if that isn’t happening, I’d love to help get that fixed!
Is there anything you think benefits professionals are missing or should be focusing on more?
I’ve been there (my background is in HR), and there is so much going on these days that it is difficult to keep up. Keep smiling and have good partners around you that you can lean on.
What are you looking forward to at Camp Engage 2023?
I’m excited to share what trends I am seeing and hear from others.
What’s your favorite summer activity?
We live on a lake, so we are out boating, skiing, and wake surfing all summer.
Do you have a story about how ALEX has helped you that you’d like to share?
I love ALEX and how he explains things in a way anyone can understand. I believe that is a huge advantage in all the confusion today.
