By Anne Lutostanski, Nurse Practitioner and SVP of Client Services
Meeting users of our digital HR platform, SmartFHR™, in person is one of the most rewarding parts of my role. Recently, I had the privilege of traveling across the country to attend client benefit fairs prior to the busy open enrollment season. These visits provided the perfect opportunity to help clients and their employees fully understand the amazing health, wellness, and benefits resources available at their fingertips.
Valmont: Connecting Employees to "Valmont on the Go"
Valmont Industries, a global leader in sustainable infrastructure and agriculture, has been a valued partner of Green Circle Life since 2019. With 6,100 U.S.-based employees spread across the country, I traveled to three regional centers to support their annual benefit fairs and promote Valmont on the Go, a digital platform we developed to consolidate all employee benefits, HR, wellness, and condition management into one easy-to-use app.
Launched in 2020, Valmont on the Go simplifies access to medical and dental plans, tobacco cessation programs, payroll information, and more with single sign-on functionality. The platform offers employees and their families free one-on-one coaching for stress management, nutrition, and managing conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and weight loss. Coaches help connect them with other benefit vendors to support their overall wellbeing.
During the benefit fairs, I demonstrated the platform's value, answered questions, shared information about upcoming new benefits, and helped troubleshoot login issues. Many employees had already downloaded apps like Workday and ADP, but they were excited to learn they could access all these resources-and more-in one convenient place. Some employees were surprised to discover that their family members could also access the benefits, making the platform even more impactful. Seeing how these interactions empowered employees to take full advantage of their benefits was incredibly rewarding, and we saw a 3% increase in user enrollment during the fairs.
I also partnered with Valmont's dedicated HR teams, who consistently go above and beyond to ensure their employees are informed and supported. These teams played a key role in fostering engagement by offering thoughtful incentives and creating inclusive environments. For instance, Spanish-speaking vendor partners provided translated instructions for downloading the app, ensuring all employees could easily access the resources.
In Minnesota, the HR team promoted the benefit fair with a unique and heartfelt gesture: a $40 grocery voucher, fondly called a "turkey check," to help employees purchase holiday groceries. While many employees came for the voucher, they stayed to learn about the wide range of benefits their employer offers.
Meeting Valmont Employees: Real Stories, Real Impact
Interacting with employees who use Valmont on the Go brought the platform's value to life in powerful ways. Hearing their firsthand feedback reminded me just how impactful this resource is for individuals and their families.
David, a Fitter/Welder from Valmont-Brenham, TX, shared:
"I love the SmartFHR app! It has everything-time off, Hartford, and benefit info. I log in a couple of times a week. Most people here use it, it's great! If you don't have it, you need it. Download it now!"
Employees like David use the app regularly to stay informed and organized. Others, like Oscar from Valmont-Belleville, TX, appreciated how the app extends its benefits beyond the workplace:
"The Valmont-SmartFHR app is great! It shows me everything, and I can find anything I need anytime. I shared it with my spouse, and now she can see all the benefits and use the discounts even when I'm not there. She uses the app a lot to check on our insurance when she takes our children to the doctor or dentist."
This ability to connect family members with critical resources makes a significant difference in improving their well-being and financial awareness. Meanwhile, employees like Casey, a Dispatcher in Valmont-Columbus, NE, emphasized the app's simplicity and efficiency:
"Setting up and using the SmartFHR-Valmont app is easy. I like that I don't have to go to a website. Everything is organized in the app—from time off and paycheck to benefits and discounts—so I can find what I need right away."
These testimonials highlight the everyday impact of Valmont on the Go, reinforcing why these benefit fairs are such an essential part of our work. By meeting employees face-to-face, I can ensure they feel confident navigating the platform and fully utilizing the tools designed to improve their lives.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As I reflect on these experiences, I'm proud of the role I've played in helping employees and their families access the tools they need for healthier, more balanced lives. Looking ahead, I'm excited to continue gathering feedback, collaborating with clients, and finding innovative ways to enhance holistic wellness through SmartFHR.
If you'd like to learn more about our platform, feel free to contact us.