Streamlining Breast Milk Shipping: A Solution for Forward-Thinking CPOs

By on August 1, 2024

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As a Chief People Officer at a large enterprise, managing a benefits program for thousands of employees is a constant balancing act. One of the most persistent challenges you face is ensuring that critical, yet often overlooked, support systems—like breast milk shipping—are efficient and accessible. Manual reimbursement processes for this benefit are not only cumbersome but also fail to provide the visibility and control needed for effective management.

 

Why Manual Reimbursement Falls Short

For breastfeeding employees, the process of shipping breast milk while traveling involves more than just logistics—it’s a source of stress. Approval for reimbursement often requires awkward conversations with managers, and the prospect of navigating a slow, opaque reimbursement system deters many from even seeking this support.

When they do proceed, the process is anything but smooth. Gathering receipts, submitting claims, and tracking reimbursements can take weeks, leaving employees frustrated and financially burdened in the meantime. For HR, managing these one-off requests becomes a repetitive and inefficient task, draining time and resources that could be better spent on strategic initiatives.

When each reimbursement request is handled individually, it’s harder to ensure consistency and fairness. Employees may experience varying levels of support depending on who processes their claim or how aware their managers are of the benefit. This inconsistent approach can lead to disparities, where some employees feel well-supported while others feel overlooked or discouraged from even applying for reimbursement.

Without a structured benefit, HR teams are unable to fully and consistently support breastfeeding employees. It creates a fragmented experience where the benefit’s value is neither maximized nor clearly demonstrated, making it harder for the organization to show a genuine commitment to supporting all its employees equally.

 

Why You Need More Than Just Visibility—You Need Control

The lack of transparency in expense tracking, especially when charges appear under generic line items like “FedEx" or "shipping" leaves you in the dark about critical data: How often is the benefit used? Who is using it? What are the patterns or trends in utilization? Without this insight, it’s nearly impossible to measure the benefit’s impact, forecast costs accurately, or make informed decisions about resource allocation.

 

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Introducing Milk Stork’s Direct Employee Ordering Portal

Here’s where Milk Stork changes the game. Our direct employee ordering portal eliminates the inefficiencies of manual reimbursement while giving you complete control over the benefit:

1. Customized Access: Tailor the portal to offer only the Milk Stork services that align with your company’s policies and budget. This ensures consistent, predictable spending and prevents misuse.

2. Real-Time Reporting: Gain instant access to detailed usage reports. This transparency allows for better budgeting, more accurate forecasting, and an understanding of how the benefit supports your employees.

3. Ease of Use for Employees: By allowing employees to order breast milk shipping services directly without upfront costs, you remove the financial and emotional barriers they often face. This ensures consistent support for all breastfeeding employees, enhancing their satisfaction and productivity.

 

Fostering a Culture of Support, Not Just Compliance

Implementing Milk Stork isn’t just about simplifying processes—it’s about building a supportive workplace culture. By eliminating the need for manual reimbursements and offering a straightforward, company-sponsored solution, you send a clear message: your organization values and supports its employees’ well-being.

Breastfeeding employees no longer have to navigate awkward conversations or cumbersome systems. Instead, they experience seamless support that lets them focus on their work and family without added stress.

 

The lack of a streamlined process can also mean uneven access to this benefit—some employees might be well-informed, while others remain unaware or hesitant to navigate the discomfort of a conversation with their supervisor.

 

Make the Shift Today

Don’t let inefficient processes hinder your ability to ensure that all breastfeeding employees are supported equally.  With Milk Stork’s direct employee ordering portal, you gain the tools you need to manage this benefit effectively while fostering a supportive, inclusive workplace. Ready to take the next step? Get in touch with our team to make breast milk shipping easier for everyone involved.

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