A fresh approach to employee benefits at Protolabs

Protolabs (formerly HUBS) is an online platform for the custom production of parts and prototypes, for basically anything you can think of! Step into the Protolabs office in Houthavens – a mix of glass meeting rooms and open office spaces – and you see a substantial section filled with packages of outsourced prototypes and parts. Here, orders are received, checked, and repackaged for the customer.

The benefits puzzle

Ellen Groot, People Operations Lead at Protolabs, faced a challenge in managing the benefits package. Although they offered pensions, flexible work arrangements, and unique cultural events such as office races and team activities like padel and D&D nights, there was a lack of coherence in the offerings. Employees had diverse needs and preferences, which led to a complex puzzle of managing various options and reimbursement requests. This fragmented approach not only put pressure on administration but also caused inefficiencies in utilizing benefits and communication about them.

Positive changes

Protolabs chose Alleo to streamline their benefits and increase employee satisfaction. Alleo offers a wide range of benefits from different providers, simplifying management, clarifying options, and enabling employees to make personal choices that align with their needs and interests. Ellen emphasized the importance of a central platform to improve accessibility, reduce overhead, and foster a cohesive company culture focused on employee well-being and development.

Appreciation for everyone

Since the implementation of Alleo, Protolabs has seen a noticeable increase in employee engagement with their benefits package. About half of their workforce actively uses the app and explores various offerings, ranging from wellness benefits like gym memberships and healthy meal options to personal development opportunities such as language courses and seminars. The app's intuitive interface has streamlined administrative processes, reducing the workload on the People Operations and Finance teams. By providing an integrated platform for flexible benefits, Protolabs has not only improved employee satisfaction but also promoted a more cohesive and supportive work environment.

In summary

Looking ahead, Protolabs remains committed to leveraging Alleo to further enhance their benefits offering. By continually adapting and expanding the range of available benefits through the app, they aim to respond to the changing needs of their diverse workforce. This proactive approach reinforces both employee retention and satisfaction as well as Protolabs' reputation as an attractive employer in the competitive manufacturing sector.