Smart Benefits: What Benefits Gig Workers?

Monday, May 20, 2019

Rob Calise, GoLocalWorcester Business/Health Expert

Rob Calise

Last year, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 10.6 million people are working in alternative arrangements such as independent contractors, on-call workers, temporary help and for contract firms.

While these situations may meet workers’ desires for flexibility, independence and control, they can come at a price: a lack of benefits.

To address this concern, one solution gaining traction is portable benefits. According to the Aspen Institute, these aren’t tied to a particular job or business. Instead, the worker owns the benefits and the company they work for contribute to the benefits at a fixed rate.

As legislation is introduced federally and at the state level in an effort establish workable programs, there are some other perks employers can offer temporary workers now to give them a safety net.

Offer bonuses to reward workers like traditional employees
Review their pay annually and adjust accordingly to reflect rises in health insurance costs
Develop a discount program for contract workers
Invest in them by giving them access to a financial wellness program

Not only will these benefits provide a sense of protection, they can go a long way towards strengthening your relationship with contract employees who can play a critical role in your company’s success.

Rob Calise is the Managing Director, Employee Benefits of The Hilb Group of New England, where he helps clients control the costs of employee benefits by focusing on consumer-driven strategies and on how to best utilize the tax savings tools the government provides. Rob serves as Chairman of the Board of United Benefit Advisors, and is a board member of the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of RI Broker Advisory Board, United HealthCare of New England Broker Advisory Board and Rhode Island Business Healthcare Advisors Council. He is also a member of the National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU), American Health Insurance Association (AHIA) and the Employers Council on Flexible Compensation (ECFC), as well as various human resource associations. Rob is a graduate of Bryant University with a BS in Finance