I Took a Walk with A.I.

A.I. seems to be everywhere you turn right now. It’s the latest shiny object for screen-entranced people to spend time attempting to understand and harvest its power. I’m no different. I wonder what A.I. would say if given the chance to guide us on employee benefits?

With curiosity growing daily, I have been studying (on my own time) what it takes to be a “prompt engineer”. From my youthful days banging out a little bit of code on the Commodore 64 with friends trying to make a blocky-looking balloon float across the black & white screen, I know that garbage in equals garbage out (GIGO). The more you can refine your prompts when engaging with A.I. the less garbage you will receive in return.

Here’s what happened when I took a walk with A.I.

Prompt:

Imagine you’re on a journey related to controlling the cost of healthcare for employees and at the same time improving company culture. Describe where you are, what you see, who you meet, what you’re thinking – let the scenario spark ideas. Include the following people you meet on your journey and capture a 2-sentence quote from each one about the advice they received from their employee benefits advisor. Include a CEO, CFO, and HR Director. Lastly, ask an employee to list three ways in which the employee benefits advisor made a difference in their understanding, use and financial decisions related to employee benefits.

Response:

I find myself on a tranquil path through a bustling urban park, symbolizing the journey to control healthcare costs for employees while elevating company culture. The sun casts a warm glow on the colorful trees, and the gentle rustling of leaves creates an atmosphere of contemplation and inspiration.

As I walk, I come across a vibrant wellness fair featuring interactive booths promoting healthy habits. The lively energy reflects the positive workplace culture that embraces employee wellbeing. Each booth offers insights on fitness, nutrition, and mental health, sparking thoughts on how these initiatives could potentially lead to lower healthcare costs in the long run.

Further down the path, I encounter a serene meditation garden where employees are peacefully practicing mindfulness. The peaceful atmosphere makes me consider the potential for stress reduction programs that could have a profound impact on both mental health and healthcare expenses.

As I continue, I reach a cozy café nestled by a serene pond, where employees are engaged in animated conversations. This prompts me to think about the significance of open communication channels between employees and management, and how informed decision-making regarding benefits could potentially lead to more cost-effective healthcare choices.

I then have a conversation with the CEO, who shares, “Our benefits advisor recommended personalized wellness programs that cater to individual employee needs. This strategic approach has not only boosted morale but also contributed to managing healthcare costs.”

Continuing my journey, I met the CFO, who explained, “Our advisor provided data analytics that allowed us to identify healthcare trends and tailor our benefits plans accordingly. This data-driven approach has positively impacted our financial strategy.”

Approaching the next turn, I had a discussion with the HR Director, who revealed, “Our advisor guided us in implementing flexible work arrangements and telemedicine options. This not only enhanced our culture but also led to cost savings in terms of absenteeism.”

With these insights in mind, I approach an employee who has been benefitting from the advisor’s guidance. They share, “Our advisor clarified confusing terms in our benefit plans, showed us how to utilize telehealth effectively, and helped me see how contributing to my HSA could save me money in the long run.”

As my journey continues, I’m reminded of the interconnectedness of healthcare cost control and company culture enhancement. The scenarios I’ve encountered, the advice from leadership, and the employee’s perspective all underscore the potential for a harmonious approach that benefits both employees and the organization.

Summary:

I’m impressed. Much of what A.I. believed was important to all stakeholders is a great insight into the questions we might ask each other. Clients, advisors, communicators, insurance companies, and employees all have an effect on the overall employee benefits landscape. Maybe the “prompt” with these stakeholders should begin with “Can we work together?” The response. “Of course we can”.

 

Johnny Dodson

Director of Communications

• Marketing Strategy
• Brand Development
• Employee Engagement
• Project and Vendor Oversight