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Health First Commercial Plans Specialist William Berhannan Thrives Working Remotely

By  //  June 19, 2020

Despite not being in the same building, team members make sure to remain connected

William Berhannan, a Commercial Plans Specialist with Health First Health Plans, is seen in his office prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, he performs his job remotely, which he has found benefits his work and his ability to keep his family safe. (Health First image)

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Being able to work remotely has become part of the new normal in a COVID-19 world. For many, it’s been a welcome change that facilitates productivity – and makes the work-life balance easier.

Health First has seen about 25% of its more than 9,000 associates embrace this trend and thrive– which benefits not only the organization overall, but associates’ overall wellness.

For Health First Health Plans alone, 90% of its more than 600 associates are working from home.

William Berhannan is a perfect example. The 38-year-old married father of three – with a fourth child on the way – is a Commercial Plans Specialist with Health First Health Plans.

He hasn’t been back to the office since March 13, when he took a weeklong vacation – and then learned doing his job remotely from his home in Palm Bay was an option for him.

“Working from home keeps you accountable to use time wisely, which helps productivity,” William said.

“For me, I have trouble multitasking, so creating my own schedule has developed me personally to assist in other areas needed.”

In addition, not being exposed to possible respiratory illnesses is a relief right now for his family.

“I don’t have to stress about who is sick or why is that person coughing – then coming home to my pregnant wife,” William said.

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Despite not being in the same building, team members make sure to remain connected.

“We have a daily meeting at 8:30 a.m. to discuss our agenda for the day, and we use that time to catch up a bit,” William said.

Leadership provides regular feedback about results and goals, and virtual meetings are also in practice. There’s also a regular newsletter sent out to these associates, helping them keep in touch and see what’s going on in their colleagues’ lives.

Measures are in place to ensure associates access work-related and personal information in a secure way that is compliant with The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

For example, Health First-issued laptops and other devices are encrypted with a Virtual Private Network to safeguard member and patient information, in addition to other safeguards.

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