3 Tips to Improve Your Employee Benefits Education Plan

Companies invest a significant portion of their budget in employee benefits. They know that offering a quality benefits package helps attract and keep top workers. Employers want to take care of their employees by providing insurance and perks that workers value. However, employees don’t take full advantage of their coverage options when they don’t know what’s available or how to use their plans. Review three tips to improve your employee benefits education plan.

1. Identify points of confusion

Employees may interpret the plans differently when reviewing benefits information. Survey workers and set up sessions to find out the topics and coverage details workers find confusing. Share the contact information for when employees have benefits questions and provide a secure, online resource center housing all the company’s benefits documents.

2. Refine benefits communication

Business experts report that listening to employee feedback can lead to more employee engagement and increased company growth. After surveying and listening to employees, develop a communication plan to answer questions and explain benefits.

Studies show that 8 out of 10 employees face challenges when receiving care, often because of complex benefits. Many employees are unsure if their benefits cover specific procedures or what they need to pay upfront for copay or deductible amounts. Ninety percent of people surveyed who deal with chronic medical conditions face additional uncertainty and could use assistance coordinating their care.

Prepare comprehensive employee benefits guides with explanations and descriptions that answer employees’ questions and concerns. Use different communication methods to reach employees, including emails, videos, infographics, online presentations and in-person meetings with brokers and insurance representatives. Make sure to include real-life examples with charts and graphs to show coverage costs and savings.

3. Keep communications open

Ask for employee feedback on benefits options, communication preferences and coverage features. The goal is to help employees feel comfortable asking questions and giving input. Employees who feel their opinions and advice are valued are more likely to be engaged and invested in staying at the business.

Employers can take cues from employees to update their benefits packages. The importance that employees place on core coverage areas — medical, dental and vision — has increased since 2021. But access to benefits doesn’t always translate to benefits use. A better understanding of what drives satisfaction with benefits could help employers close the gap. Review this whitepaper to learn how to educate employees on benefits coverage and increase employee satisfaction.

Sources and References:
Plan Sponsor
Forbes
People Matters
EBN, Ameritas whitepaper