The last time you bought something online, you might have been using Magic Labs software. Magic Labs provides the behind-the-scenes technology that companies like Mattel, Macys, Forbes and other leading companies use to create secure, user-friendly digital wallets. The talent market in tech is competitive, and Magic Labs relies on differentiators like benefits to help them attract and retain top talent. 

No one understands the power of benefits better than Sarah Towsley, who handles all aspects of People Operations for the organization of around 50 people. She says, “I do everything from the day to day HR tasks to strategic initiatives that contribute to employee experience. If it’s anywhere close to People Operations, I am probably handling it.” 

Benefits are critical to her organization, but they’re also just one aspect of her work. Prior to Sarah’s time at the organization, the team had been using a platform many other small businesses use to manage HR, payroll and benefits. Sarah found that their needs had outgrown what it was able to provide. About the challenges they were facing, Sarah says, “I ended up being the person that had to reach out to carriers for even the smallest things, and then the carriers would tell me to go back to our tech platform. No one could provide the answers I needed and I was spending hours of my time trying to get support for my needs and my employees’ questions.” 

Searching for benefits magic – year-round support and tech-enabled solutions

Sarah went to the Magic Labs executive team and told them that there was a better way to provide benefits that included the flexibility of options and support that they needed. When they agreed, she went on the hunt for a new benefits provider. Among her top requirements were year-round support and a consultative partner who would help make sure they were considering all of their options. She considered a variety of tech-enabled and traditional options, but ultimately chose Nava.

“It really comes down to relationships. I immediately got the impression that Nava would follow through on all of the promises they were making, including the year-round support we needed. I liked the Nava mission. That’s not something you hear about from other brokers.” 

Wallet-saving benefits – saving $100k while upgrading coverage and service

Her impressions were proven right from the start, with an analysis and renewal in just 30 days. The team conducted a thorough check of their current benefits options and found that Magic Labs was actually over insured, meaning that they were paying company money to provide benefits that employees weren’t using. 

The Nava team was able to: 

• Quickly go to market to make sure Magic Labs was receiving competitive rates
• Propose new lines of coverage for their medical, dental and vision
• Add new lines of coverage for life insurance, disability and a mental health EAP

With Nava, they were able to right-size coverage, add additional coverage and save the company $100,000 with no change of network and no disruption of coverage.

Above and beyond the savings and improved coverage, Sarah and her team enjoyed the enhanced onboarding experience that the Nava team provided. “The Nava team was right by my side answering questions and producing resources for our employees throughout the entire open enrollment period. I have many years of benefits experience, but to have someone who can answer questions immediately or talk to our carriers on our behalf is invaluable.” 

Small group benefits with big time support

Even after open enrollment, Sarah says that the Nava team has been her partners in all aspects of benefits management. She says, “I love Stephanie and John! There have been so many times where they’ve gone above and beyond to make sure our benefits experience is excellent.” For instance, when Magic labs needed a new HRIS, the team at Nava helped her evaluate her options and supported the transfer to Rippling. She says that a member of the Nava team was on almost every meeting during the process, helping her ask the right questions and get the right solution to fit Magic Labs’ needs. 

Another thing that Sarah and her team enjoy is the member support through the Nava Benefits App. Sarah says that, along with her experience, she’s also heard other employees share glowing reviews for the support team, “I had them look over an invoice that I didn’t understand and the benefits advocate actually went to bat for me with the insurance company and my provider. Another employee was able to finally resolve a long-standing billing issue,” she continues, “It’s unbelievable to have the Nava Benefits Advocates on our side. Employees can upload a bill or ask a question and then get support from people who know the ins-and-outs of the carriers in ways that nobody else does.” 

That, Sarah says, is her favorite part about working with Nava – the impact it has on her life and the lives of the Magic Labs team. Going forward, she’s looking forward to continued partnership with the Nava team to support all aspects of their benefits experience, from choosing the right benefits to supporting the team’s everyday needs.