In this episode, we're joined by the insightful Melissa Mauldin, a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience and a great perspective on navigating the balance between attracting top talent and maintaining a healthy balance for profitability. Melissa, who has worn various hats over the years and now serves as an instructor for the VHMA’s Rising Manager Training Program, shares her wisdom on offering fundamental benefits packages.  Join us as we explore how she uses data to support benefits selection, how she incorporates information about offerings to employees throughout the year, and what we need to offer as basics before we look at the “flashy” ones. As Melissa aptly puts it, it’s simple, but not always easy.    Show Notes: [2:47] - When it comes to benefits, people expect health insurance, vacation time, and fair pay. You have to provide these basics. [3:49] - Beyond the basics, people are looking for a good environment, flexible work schedule, and growth through tuition benefits. [4:50] - Flexibility is key in current times, but there has to be a balance to provide client and patient care. [6:02] - Provide employees with information on benefits so they take advantage of them. [8:00] - Weave in conversations about some of the flashy benefits you offer throughout the year, especially when talking about goals. [10:06] - If you come in with a new offering, you need to bring data to get owner buy in. [14:00] - Sometimes we have great ideas and they “bomb.” Melissa says that they are experiments and we can learn from what we launch. [15:21] - One benefit that has been a great success for employees in the industry is floating holidays. [17:40] - One thing to consider regarding PTO offerings is making sure that the practice can be staffed when employees take the time off. [19:32] - Melissa shares what numbers and trends she looks at every month. [21:50] - How do we make enough money to offer these benefits? [24:18] - It’s important for leadership to look outside of themselves and see the bigger picture. [27:33] - Make the message relatable and “absorbable.” [29:03] - Make sure you’re focusing on the fundamentals - fair pay, health insurance, PTO, and good culture.   Thank you for listening. Remember you are not in this alone. Visit our website for more resources.   Links and Resources: VHMA Web Page VHMA Coronavirus Resources VHMA Facebook VHMA Twitter VHMA on Linkedin