Among the different types of compensation and benefits to employees – wages, paid time off, etc., employee insurance benefits often have high importance to employees. Yet, for all their importance, many employees remain unaware, under-informed, and disengaged from their benefits packages. This disconnection can lead to underutilization, dissatisfaction, and missed opportunities for both companies and their employees. The antidote? Cultivating a culture of benefits engagement. Here’s how:
- Benefits Education Initiatives
Organize frequent communications that delve into the intricacies of the benefits offered. Break down complex terms, discuss the value of each benefit, and answer common questions. Use multiple mediums to communicate, i.e. group education meetings and digital messages. Take steps to create an environment where employees feel confident about their benefits knowledge.
- One Benefits System of Record
Leverage technology to make benefits information accessible and user-friendly. A well-designed benefits administration platform can provide real-time updates, automated communications, and on-demand answers to your employees questions – right when they need it. Resist the urge to offer benefits through multiple different systems, or having benefits that exist outside your benefit administration system.
- Personalized Benefits Counseling
Consider offering one-on-one counseling sessions where employees can discuss their individual needs and concerns. Whether you offer Benefits Counseling via on-site or call center availability, the access to a real person trained in your benefits with the time to spend time with your employees can make a difference in the employee experience.
- Technology Integrations to Providers
Leverage technology to make the benefits experience easier for the HR Department and employees alike. New capabilities are emerging – whether it’s automated evidence of insurability questionaires for a term life or disability plan or claims integration automating the payment of voluntary insurance wellness benefits.
- Automated Events Based Communications
In today’s fast-paced world, timely and relevant communication is crucial. When it comes to benefits engagement, it’s best to communicate with employees not just based on a set calendar but in response to specific events and triggers. Enter automated events-based communications.
Conclusion
Building a culture of benefits engagement among employees is more than just a strategy—it’s an investment in the well-being and satisfaction of your most valuable asset: your employees. By actively promoting awareness, participation, and understanding, companies can ensure that their employees not only have access to great benefits but also have the knowledge and tools to make the most of them.
INTERESTED IN MORE FROM STEELE? CHECK OUT:
The Power of Automated Messaging
The Critical Role of Data Integrity
11 Benefits Communications that can be Automated