Strategic Insights
From The Atlas HR Team
We recently attended a panel discussion featuring top executives from three of Hawaii’s top businesses. One of the most valuable
takeaways from this presentation was that while Human Resources may not directly generate revenue, it has a measurable impact on the
bottom line because it manages the company’s most valuable assets: its people. If there was ever a time for companies to invite Human
Resources to the C-suite table, it is now.
Below are insights gained in 2018 from members of our team, two of whom joined us just last year:
“ Since joining Atlas Benefit Consulting, I’ve learned more about employee benefits, best practices in program design,
and the important role of recruiting and retaining top talent—especially as businesses continue to grow and compete
in dramatically changing markets. I enjoy the flexibility of working with the myriad of carriers available through
Atlas—a major benefit for clients because it allows them to tailor their benefits program to best fit their people strategies
in support of their business. Atlas benefit consultants act like orchestra conductors for our clients, coordinating benefit
programs, compliance resources, communication tools, and administrative solutions, all with the goal of aligning
people strategy with the priorities of the organization.
”
- Kristen Chong, Unit Administrator
Kristen Chong joined Atlas Benefit Consulting in 2018 as a Unit Administrator. She has over 10 years of Human Resources experience
in the healthcare industry. Kristen is a graduate of Creighton University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Administration
and a Master’s in Human Resource Management from the University of Hawaii.
“ As a former Human Resources professional in Employee Benefits and Compensation, my workday was always filled
with day-to-day human resource issues and benefits administration, along with numerous meetings with supervisors,
employees, and auditors. It was difficult to find time for strategic planning. At Atlas Benefit Consulting, I have learned
how important it is for HR professionals to partner with a knowledgeable benefit consultant who can help develop a
human capital management strategy that meets both short-term priorities and long-term company goals. The benefit
consultant can support and elevate the Human Resources function, helping HR professionals become more strategic so
they can readily step up to the executive table.
”
- Daun Watanabe, Benefit Analyst
Daun Watanabe joined Atlas Benefit Consulting in 2015 as a Benefit Analyst. She brings with her more than 20 years of experience
in Benefits, Compensation, and Human Resources. Prior to joining Atlas Insurance Agency, Daun was a Senior Director of Employee
Benefits and Compensation with Hawaiian Airlines. Daun works with mid-size and large employers in the nonprofit, hospitality, and
retail fields, with both union and nonunion employees. Her experience includes 401(k), pension, and health and welfare plans.
“ With increased demands placed upon Human Resources, the benefit consultant role has transitioned from
transactional to strategic. High-performance companies need an experienced benefit consultant
to help manage the change process and develop benefit strategies that can support the organization as it adjusts to new
marketplace trends. We assist the Human Resources function by ensuring that they meet compliance standards, exercise
fiduciary transparency regarding plan costs, keep channels of communication open, and report on investment returns
related to human resources. I’m most impressed with how our benefit consultants take the time to understand the needs
and culture of each client and build a strong foundation for them with our carriers.
”
- Dawn Ibara, Benefit Analyst
Dawn Ibara joined Atlas Benefit Consulting in 2018 as a Benefit Analyst. She brings with her over 20 years of experience in Benefits
and Human Resources Administration. Dawn worked with mid-size and large employers in healthcare, retail, and wholesale, with
both union and nonunion employees. She is a graduate of the University of Hawaii where she received her BBA in Human Resource
Management.
These insights have helped us widen our perspectives, with the goal of helping clients better meet their 2019 HR planning needs. Our
Employee Benefits Consulting team understands the many challenges that HR professionals face today and can help advise your HR team.
We invite you to contact Jeremy Imai at (808) 533-8662 to schedule an initial meeting.
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