At the Wills Group and our family of companies, Dash In, Splash In ECO Car Wash, and SMO Motor Fuels, our strength lies in our people – those who serve our customers and fuel our purpose to keep Lives in Motion. We believe that investing in their financial wellness boosts engagement, loyalty, and productivity and fosters a culture of care that extends into the communities we serve across the Mid-Atlantic region.
The Wills Group’s financial wellness benefits aim to reduce financial stress and lay a foundation for stability and growth. Instrumental in leading the charge is Eric Pullett, our Senior Manager of Benefits and Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion. Eric’s insights and personal experiences bring to life how these benefits enhance the workplace and lift up our local communities.
Join us as we explore the Wills Group’s financial wellness benefits and discover how our commitment to our teams’ financial health, professional development, and community engagement earns us the Great Place to Work® designation.
Overview of Financial Wellness Benefits
The Wills Group offers over a dozen financial wellness benefits designed to empower staff across all levels of the organization. Here’s an overview:
401(k) Retirement Savings
At the core of financial security is the ability to save for the future, and we want to make this goal as easy and accessible as possible. Every new teammate at the Wills Group is automatically enrolled into our 401(k) plan after 60 days and provided a matching contribution up to 7%. There is also an auto-increase feature on the plan, which increases contributions by 1% each year, capping at 10%.
The Wills Group also offers a generous profit-sharing contribution for every team member who works over 1,000 hours a year. The amount varies year-to-year, but in 2023, for example, we contributed $10,000 into employee 401(k) accounts, regardless of their own contributions to the plan.
Tuition Reimbursement and More
The Wills Group’s Educational Assistance program provides up to 100% tuition reimbursement on undergraduate and graduate degrees and support for GEDs and professional certifications. We cover up to 100% of college tuition costs for full-time teammates based on the grade achieved. This benefit is available after six months of service, with no cap on the reimbursement amount, provided the team member commits to staying with the company for at least one year post-reimbursement.
Earning a college degree for free through the Wills Group can be life-changing. With tuition costs ranging from $9,700 to $38,800 annually, the program alleviates the burden of student loans and allows you to earn income, gain experience, and save for retirement during your studies. In 2023, the Wills Group invested $60,000 toward our teammates’ tuition payments.
Health Insurance
Health is the foundation of well-being, and the Wills Group strives for comprehensive and affordable health insurance options. A remarkable effort to provide equity has led to halving the cost of insurance premiums for retail teams, who now pay only $32 bi-weekly, demonstrating our commitment to making healthcare accessible to all teammates.
Part-time teammates receive a $500 LifeBalance account, which provides up to $500 in reimbursements for medical expenses, such as urgent care visits or eyeglasses.
Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Savings Account (FSA)
The Wills Group provides HSA and FSA options for added healthcare affordability. Teammates enrolled in the HSA enjoy pre-tax savings, tax-free growth, and tax-free distributions for medical expenses (a triple tax advantage!), plus a company contribution of $900 for individuals or $1,650 for families, paid throughout the year.
Access to Financial Advisors
The Wills Group partners with RBC Wealth Management to demystify personal finance and provide tailored advice. All part-time and full-time teammates can consult with these advisors about anything from budgeting and retirement planning to saving for their children’s college tuition.
Life Insurance
Life insurance provides financial security and peace of mind. Full-time teammates are offered life insurance equal to 1.5 times their salary, while part-time teammates receive a $10,000 flat-fee coverage after six months of service, a unique offering that underscores our commitment to equitable team member support.
Dependent Care Reimbursement Account
Understanding the challenges of balancing work and caregiving responsibilities, the Wills Group offers a Dependent Care Reimbursement Account (DCRA). This benefit allows team members to allocate pre-tax dollars for childcare, daycare, or eldercare, easing the financial burden associated with caregiving.
Pet Insurance
In response to team member feedback, the Wills Group added pet insurance, recognizing the significant role pets play in many team members’ lives. This benefit, which saw over 35 enrollments in its first year, reflects the company’s commitment to listening and responding to our teams’ needs.
Disability Insurance
No one can predict the future, but the Wills Group makes it easy to prepare for any scenario. We automatically enroll every staff member in long-term disability insurance and cover the premiums in full, ensuring that team members are financially supported during unforeseen health challenges.
Financial Literacy Programs
Financial education is key to empowerment. The Wills Group hosts financial literacy Lunch & Learn workshops and related seminars, covering topics like retirement planning and budgeting. These expert-led sessions are complemented by on-site 1:1 consultations with financial advisors, ensuring teams can access personalized advice.
We also leverage the strengths of our two Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), Families in Motion and Women of Wills. These groups sponsor specific programs tailored to our teams’ interests, such as seminars on college savings and 529 plans. They also sponsor two scholarships in partnership with the College of Southern Maryland, offering financial support for education to the community and Wills Group teammates.
Crisis Grants
Understanding the impact of financial stress, underscored by a 2023 PwC study where 57% of employees reported financial concerns as their primary source of stress, the Wills Group offers Crisis Grants. These grants are designed to support teammates facing financial hardship, providing up to $2,500 in assistance with a $5,000 lifetime maximum.
Financial Wellness Benefits In Action, with Eric Pullett
Eric Pullett is on a mission to ensure every Wills Group team member, from our corporate offices to our Dash In stores, fully benefits from our financial wellness programs. “It’s a challenge, but a good one.” He uses communication tools like our internal Work Jam app and in-person visits to educate our team about the array of benefits available and their impact on personal finances and future prospects.
Eric reflects on how his financial health has improved since joining the Wills Group. “Moving to the Wills Group has been a financial game-changer,” Eric says. “I went from a place where a 3% match took five years to kick in to receiving a 7% match at the Wills Group almost instantly. Seeing my savings grow thanks to compounding interest, plus a $30,000 boost from the profit-sharing plan—it’s completely transformed my retirement outlook.”
He also highlights the critical support provided by the Wills Group’s Crisis Grants when he faced unexpected funeral expenses after his father passed away. “Life’s unpredictable,” Eric remarks, “but we’re here to help our teams through any financial hardship.” In 2023 alone, the company allocated $21,500 in Crisis Grants. “This is part of what makes us a Great Place to Work®. We’re a community that genuinely looks out for one another.”
Empowering our Team and Community
The Wills Group’s financial wellness benefits are about more than just financial aid; they’re designed to enhance our team’s overall quality of life and make a significant difference in our communities. By extending their positive influence beyond the workplace, we aim to support our teammates and their families in every aspect of their lives. This comprehensive support is a testament to why we’re recognized as a Great Place to Work® and demonstrates our commitment to driving positive change in the communities we serve.
Our benefits are shaped by listening and responding to team feedback, such as in our Speak Up and Great Place to Work® annual surveys. By acting on suggestions — such as adding pet insurance or expanding our Education Assistance program — we ensure our benefits meet the evolving needs of our diverse workforce. Every team member, from our La Plata headquarters to our 55+ Dash In and Splash In locations, has access to our full suite of benefits, underlining our commitment to equitable access for all.
Eric’s perspective reinforces this commitment: “We go above and beyond for our team, ensuring we support them, their families, and their communities now and in the future.” This ethos propels us forward, keeping Lives in Motion and fostering a culture where everyone at the Wills Group thrives — together.
