Elif Guzelgun

Experience

• 

  Starbucks

  Feb 2007 - Feb 2020

  In my role as a Senior Benefits Specialist, I spearheaded Tier 2 support for group benefit escalations, ensuring swift resolutions and delivering exemplary service. I led internal communications on benefits policies and procedures, fostering clarity and upholding compliance across the organization. Furthermore, I conducted comprehensive disability and benefits training for the junior admin team, optimizing processes and bolstering efficiency, leading to improved collaboration with HRBPs. Serving as the primary point of contact for vendor calls and related processes on a weekly basis, I cultivated robust partnerships and maintained seamless operations. Additionally, I organized annual benefits enrollment and open house events, facilitating engaging Q&A sessions, enhancing employee involvement, and effectively managing well-being programs. Show less In my role as a Benefits Specialist, I've overseen day-to-day benefit administration transactions, ensuring precision and timeliness in operations while efficiently processing benefit reports. Additionally, I provided support for the Future Savings Project by facilitating policy updates and communications, contributing to strategic initiatives aimed at enriching employee benefits. I directed District Benefit Connects sessions for over 100 employees, providing guidance on benefit enrollment, eligibility, and internal tools usage, addressing inquiries through interactive Q&A sessions. Moreover, I led updates to the leave of absence (LOA) and benefits knowledge base for the Partner (Employee) Contact Centre and Partner Hub, ensuring accessibility to pertinent information and promoting efficient service delivery. Supervising the online LOA application project, I streamlined application processing, enhancing the partner (employee) experience, and creating capacity for improved efficiency. Show less In my role as a Leave of Absence specialist, I took charge of overseeing all leave of absence (LOA) processes and disability management for both hourly and salaried retail and non-retail employees, ensuring seamless administration and strict compliance with regulations. Additionally, I've managed accommodation and return-to-work programs, consistently adhering to legislative changes and fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. Moreover, I've refreshed all internal communications and processes related to LOA, ensuring clarity and consistency across the organization while staying abreast of best practices and regulatory requirements. Show less

  • Sr Benefits Specialist

    Dec 2019 - Feb 2020

  • Benefits Specialist

    Jan 2018 - Dec 2019

  • Leave of Absence Specialist

    Jan 2017 - Jan 2018

  • Retail Store Manager

    Feb 2012 - Jan 2017

  • Assistant Store Manager

    Jan 2008 - Feb 2012

  • Shift Supervisor

    Jun 2007 - Jan 2008

  • Barista

    Feb 2007 - Jun 2007
• 

  Sanofi Pasteur

  Mar 2020 - Jul 2022

  Benefits Disability and Wellbeing Advisor

  In my role as a committed Benefits and Wellbeing Advisor, I led the day-to-day management of disability, absence, group benefits, and wellbeing programs administration. Overseeing the implementation and content development of a new Total Wellbeing platform, I bolstered employee engagement and health outcomes. I initiated a comprehensive country-wide wellness survey to shape holistic employee health strategies, resulting in heightened satisfaction. With meticulous attention to detail, I ensured timely filing of all WSIB claims and Form 7s, maintaining vigilant oversight of claim management processes. Collaborating closely with the Head of Benefits and Wellbeing, I revamped the disability management process, yielding significant reductions in long-term disability claims and premiums. Moreover, I introduced innovative flex benefits for salaried employees nationwide, seamlessly aligning with Diversity and Inclusion objectives, and optimized third-party administration procedures. In addition, I played a key role in onboarding and training new benefits coordinators, delivering crucial guidance and supervision to ensure smooth daily operations in benefits and disability administration. Show less

• 

  Ontario Teachers'​ Pension Plan

  Jul 2022 - May 2024

  Benefits, Disability & Wellbeing Manager

  In my role as Global Benefits and Wellbeing Manager of operations, I oversaw the integration and implementation of Global Benefits, Time-off policy, and Pension plans during a company merger. Additionally, I spearheaded the development of monthly wellness initiatives, focusing on mental health strategies such as introducing Employee Mental Health First Aid training and launching a Global Mental Health Awareness program. Collaborating with Employee Resource Groups, I organized Mental Health Week programs. As Chair of the Joint Health and Safety Committee, I conducted workplace inspections to ensure compliance with regulations, resulting in minimal risk audit outcomes. Managing health and safety procedures, including emergency evacuations as per AODA requirements, I prioritized seamless return-to-work processes to enhance employee experience. As a trusted advisor, I provided guidance on benefits, well-being, and disability accommodations for senior leadership and represented company offerings during Onboardings. Finally, I maintained up-to-date internal communication platforms in accordance with policy and legislation updates, recognizing their importance in keeping employees informed. Show less

• 

  Indigo

  Jul 2024 - now

  Total Rewards Specialist