Cowden Associates assists companies in preparing communications to employees and providing education for managers regarding new programs. There are a variety of web-based tools that can be utilized to effectively communicate and educate employees including online Summary Plan Descriptions, Employee Handbooks, Benefit Comparisons, Provider Guide Links, and Streaming Benefit Videos.

Employee Benefit Centers

An Employee Benefit Center (EBC) is an online employee benefits handbook, providing all of the necessary information conveniently linked to your website or intranet. The technology behind an EBC simplifies many time-consuming tasks for HR staffs, improves employee communications, and saves time, money, and energy. Statistics show that most employees don't know the basics of their benefits until they need them. Furthermore, most HR staffs know that traditional methods of benefit communications have not been very successful.

The EBC is revolutionizing how HR staffs communicate their benefit options to their employees. It's easy to use, always up to date, and available 24/7.

EBC’s Benefit to Your HR Department

• Organizes employee benefits information in one place. Existing documents can be loaded to your online library.
• Increases your efficiency by eliminating routine inquiries.
• Saves money by eliminating printing and distribution costs, reduces costs when plans and policies change.
• Allows you to update information via an easy to use online editor, allowing you to control the level of detail provided.

EBC’s Benefit to Your Employees

• All company benefit information resides in one place. Your message stays the same any time it is accessed, reducing the possibility of employee misunderstanding or miscommunication.
• A search feature allows quick access to benefits information, provider directories, SPDs, FAQs, forms and other content.
• Built-in Wellness Manager includes an illustrated medical encyclopedia, drug interaction checker, chronic guides, hospital quality ratings, and more.
• Built-in Life Events section provides information to help manage lifestyle issues facing employees and their families.
• Built-in financial planning calculators help educate and assist employees with managing their finances.
• Many resources are available in Spanish.