Managing change during a pandemic
Challenge
Respond to internal and external stakeholders in need of services, programs, and communication because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Actions
External stakeholders. The agency implemented plan changes, programs, and services for external clients ― employers and their staff and clergy participating in the Benefits Plan of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
- Medical Plan enhancements.
- COVID-19 vaccinations covered at no cost to members
- Cost for coronavirus testing covered at 100 percent
- Copays, deductibles, and coinsurance for virtual visits waived through December 31, 2021
- Deductibles and coinsurance waived through December 31, 2021, for inpatient treatment of COVID-19 at a network hospital
- Midyear Benefits Plan changes. Employers allowed employees to make midyear changes to their medical coverage during the COVID-19 national emergency. Midyear changes to spending account elections also allowed
- Development of a Diabetes Program Coronavirus Resource Center coronavirus resource web page to address diabetes-related questions from members
- Crisis counseling and resources. Ministers and employees with medical coverage were offered the Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) line, 866-640- 2772
- Financial help for eligible members
- Emergency Assistance Grants
- Benefits Grants
Internal stakeholders. Agency employees are also Benefits Plan members eligible for the above enhancements available to external clients. In addition:
- Agency employees formed a Working Parents Forum in 2020 to respond to needs of working parents at the Board of Pensions during the coronavirus pandemic.
Outcomes
External
- Increased use of Benefits Plan features, programs, and services
Internal
- Published back-to-school resources August 2021 for families of agency employees experiencing challenges with children and the new school year, including in-home childcare, early education and tutoring, homeschooling, learning pods, and virtual schools
- Launched four-part “You Are Not Alone” webinar series for agency employees, in partnership to build resiliency for emotional well-being in a safe, virtual environment
Quote
The Board of Pensions is committed to supporting diversity by providing a work environment where each employee is comfortable speaking out and feeling heard. I want each employee at the Board to have the opportunity to grow professionally, to discover their gifts, and to be a place where they can nurture them. To do that, we must constantly strive for work-life balance and flexibility. This will strengthen the Board of Pensions as a whole.