Back-to-school season brings a lot of excitement—and let’s be honest, a lot of chaos. For working parents, it’s a juggling act between childcare, school schedules, extracurriculars, and work commitments. If you’re an employer, the transition from summer to school year is a great opportunity to ask: how are we supporting our employees through it all?
At Andres O’Neil & Lowe, we work with businesses throughout Northwest Ohio and Northeast Indiana—from Bryan and Wauseon to Archbold, Hicksville, Defiance, and beyond. We’ve seen firsthand how the right benefits make a real difference—not just in reducing stress for employees, but in keeping great people around long-term.
Whether you have a small staff or a growing company, offering thoughtful, family-focused perks can set you apart. If you’re ready to support your team in ways that matter, let’s talk about what that could look like.
Flexible Schedules Aren’t Just Nice—They’re Necessary
Let’s face it: the 9-to-5 doesn’t always work for working parents. Between school start times, sick days, and last-minute schedule changes, flexibility has become one of the most valued (and expected) employee benefits. However, we know most businesses can’t go fully remote—but that’s not the only way to offer flexibility. In fact, some of the most impactful changes are the simplest:
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Let employees start earlier or later to accommodate school drop-off/pick-up
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Offer split shifts or shift swaps when possible
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Provide a few extra PTO days for family events
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Consider “school support hours” for volunteering or classroom visits
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Make work-from-home available in a pinch
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Offer PTO banks for family needs
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Allow part-time transitions for new parents
These small changes can make a big difference, and when employees feel supported, they bring more energy, focus, and commitment to work. It’s a win-win.
Voluntary Benefits That Go the Extra Mile
Working parents are often looking for more than just a paycheck—they’re looking for peace of mind. That’s where voluntary benefits come in.
By offering optional, low-cost coverages like dental, vision, supplemental life insurance, or even a health savings account, you give employees the power to customize their protection. It’s a small move with a big impact, especially when you’re trying to stay competitive in a tight labor market.
Don’t Underestimate the Power of a Thoughtful Touch
Some of the best benefits don’t come with a big price tag. They come from a place of understanding.
Think about:
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Clearly communicate which coverages are available to employees and how they work
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Sending reminders or resources that help parents prepare for open enrollment
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Hosting a short benefits Q&A to help employees make informed choices
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Recognizing the extra load parents carry this time of year with small gestures or notes of appreciation
At Andres O’Neil & Lowe, we help local businesses just like yours find creative, meaningful ways to show they care—without complicating their operations or blowing the budget. Sometimes helping your team take full advantage of the benefits you already offer is just as important as adding new ones.
We’re More Than a Broker—We’re Your Neighbor
Whether you’re running a shop in Bryan, managing a facility in Wauseon, growing your team in Archbold, starting fresh in Hicksville, or keeping things running in Defiance, we’re right here with you. We’re not just your insurance partner—we’re part of your community.
We understand what it means to run a business in Northwest Ohio and Northeast Indiana because we live and work here, too. That’s why we don’t just set up benefit plans—we help you build a workplace where people want to stay.
You don’t need to have all the answers either. That’s our job. Whether you’re just beginning to explore group benefits or ready to improve what you’ve got, our team is ready to help.
Let’s Chat—Before the School Bell Rings
The back-to-school season is more than a change of routine—it’s an opportunity to show your employees you see them, you value them, and you’re investing in their success.
So, before the school year gets too busy—and before open enrollment creeps up—let’s talk. Together, we can create a benefits strategy that supports your employees and strengthens your business while staying within your budget.
Reach out to our Andres O’Neil & Lowe team online to schedule a quick, no-pressure review. You can also give us a call or stop by one of our offices in Archbold, Bryan, Hicksville, or Wauseon, OH.
We’re local. We’re personal. And we’re here to help you build something better.
