The power of data is reshaping how organizations deliver their benefits strategies -- especially through the lens of population health. Historically, only large employers had access to meaningful data insights. But in the last decade, this has changed. Now organizations of all sizes can use data to guide smarter decisions, improve outcomes and control costs.

In this episode, MB Population Health & Data Strategist, Shelly Cherry shares why data is only as valuable as the strategy behind it. She explains how to use data to its full advantage, why organizations must be open to change and how shifting mindsets is just as critical as the numbers themselves.

Side Affects 150 | The Power of Data Guiding Your Benefits Strategy

Employee benefits shouldn’t feel like a burden - for HR teams to design or for employees to use. Yet, unread open enrollment emails and overlooked preventive care show a disconnect in how we communicate. In this episode, McGohan Brabender’s Chief Marketing Officer, Dave Homan, explores how applying behavioral science and Robert Cialdini’s 7 Principles of Persuasion can help HR and benefits professionals ethically capture attention, build trust and inspire action.

Discover how reimagining communication through the lens of human behavior can turn benefits engagement from obligation to connection - motivating, empowering, and energizing your workforce.

Side Affects Episode 153 | The Science of Employee Persuasion | Part I

If you haven’t caught Part I, start there — MB Chief Marketing Officer, Dave and Producer, Kenzie unpacked the first rule of persuasion: reciprocity. In this episode, they continue exploring how behavioral science can transform employee engagement, diving into three new principles of persuasion: scarcity, authority and commitment.

From creating urgency without fear, to leveraging expertise authentically, to building lasting commitment through small actions, this episode reveals practical ways HR and benefits professionals can apply psychology to drive connection, motivation, and trust.

Side Affects Episode 154 | The Science of Employee Persuasion | Part II

Side Affects Producer Kenzie McEvily, joined by her guest hosts, spotlights invited industry experts to discuss their best practices that disrupt the norm of health care, leadership, and business. Side Affects: A podcast that prompts you, as an employer, to think differently about the needs of your people and your company. We encourage you to take action by taking a deep look into benefit strategies that will transform your workforce engagement, i.e., diversity, compliance, mental health, and modern reporting. Kenzie and her guests bring these subjects and more to light to better health and productivity. Tune in and learn more!

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