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Are your benefits benefiting your employees? 

An employee trying to choose their benefits through an online tool – if possible they look frustrated

From overwhelmed to empowered: Strategies for clearer benefits communication

We all know the drill: open enrollment season rolls around, and a flurry of emails, brochures, and maybe even a webinar hit our inboxes. However, according to a recent study highlighted in BenefitsPRO,1 a significant portion of employees feel that their employers’ benefits communication and education efforts fall short. This isn't just a minor hiccup; it's a critical disconnect that can impact employee satisfaction, retention, and financial well-being.

 

The data speaks volumes:

The article points out that many employees struggle to understand the complexities of their benefits packages. They often feel overwhelmed by jargon, lack personalized guidance, and struggle to see the tangible value of what's being offered. This isn't surprising. Think about it: healthcare plans, retirement options, and voluntary benefits can be incredibly intricate.

 

Key insights and actionable strategies:

So, what can we do to bridge this gap? Here are some insights and strategies to consider:

  1. Simplify and personalize:
    • Insight: Generic communication often misses the mark. Employees crave tailored information that addresses their specific needs and life stages.
    • Action: Segment your employee population and create targeted communication campaigns. Use clear, concise language, and avoid industry jargon. Consider personalized portals or interactive tools that allow employees to see how their benefits apply to their unique situations.
       
  2. Embrace multi-channel communication:
    • Insight: Relying solely on email or printed materials is insufficient. Employees have diverse communication preferences.
    • Action: Implement a multi-channel approach that includes:
      • Short, engaging videos.
      • Interactive webinars with Q&A sessions.
      • Mobile-friendly resources.
      • One-on-one consultations with benefits specialists.
         
  3. Focus on education, not just information:
    • Insight: Providing information is different from fostering understanding. Employees need to grasp the "why" behind their benefits, not just the "what."
    • Action: Conduct educational workshops that explain complex concepts in simple terms. Use real-life examples and scenarios to illustrate the value of different benefits. Offer ongoing resources and support to help employees make informed decisions.
       
  4. Seek and act on employee feedback:
    • Insight: The best way to improve communication is to listen to your employees.
    • Action: Conduct surveys, focus groups, or one-on-one interviews to gather feedback on your benefits communication efforts. Use this feedback to identify areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments.
       
  5. Leverage technology:
    • Insight: Technology can be used to streamline the benefits process and make information more accessible.
    • Action: Implement benefits administration platforms that offer:
      • Decision-support tools.
      • Mobile access to benefits information.
      • Personalized recommendations.
      • Chatbot support for common questions.

myBenefitsAssistantsm from NYL GBS is one platform that can help employees decide which supplemental health benefits are right for them. We also offer an online consultation scheduler, where employees can easily book personalized Q&A sessions with a benefits counselor, ensuring they get the support they need at their convenience.

 

The bottom line:

Effective benefits communication and education are not just about compliance; they're about empowering employees to make informed decisions that enhance their well-being. By simplifying complexity, personalizing communication, and focusing on education, we can transform benefits from a source of confusion into a valuable asset.

Take a moment to reflect on your current benefits communication strategy. How can you improve to ensure your employees truly understand and appreciate the value of their benefits? Reach out to our team for a consultation on improving your company's benefits communication.

1“Most benefits communication and education efforts fall short, employees say,” https://www.benefitspro.com/2024/08/01/most-benefits-communication-and-education-efforts-fall-short-employees-say/?slreturn=20250404123348

SMRU 7837306 Exp. 05.31.2028