When you talk to employees about employee benefits, they should walk away feeling confident that they understand their options and know which elections will be the best fit.
Unfortunately, that’s often not the case. A recent survey reports that 46% of employees are overwhelmed by the volume of information they receive about pay and benefits. On the other hand, having personalized, face-to-face conversations with employees about their benefits can boost satisfaction.
This guidance also makes employees more likely to use their perks effectively. Explore why you need to be offering tailored employee benefits guidance to increase retention and engagement.
Face-to-Face Guidance Builds Trust
Employees crave information about how their benefits can support their personal goals. Group information sessions transform employee benefits packages from abstract offerings on a computer screen into something that provides tangible value to your workforce. The most effective sessions include the following elements:
- Presentations from plan administrators or experts
- A breakdown of optional and mandatory elections
- Real-world examples to unpack complex benefits packages
- A live Q&A component
When employees know how each benefit connects to their individual needs, they’re more likely to view their total employee compensation package as fair and competitive. They also gain a sense of ownership over their health, financial wellness, and career choices. These are key factors in long-term engagement.
Recorded Sessions Multiply the Value
Even if your organization gives a well-planned, informative benefits meeting, employees will not retain every scrap of information you cover. You may also have employees who can’t participate due to scheduling or other reasons.
If you record the sessions, you’ll have an evergreen resource that you can incorporate into onboarding and share on demand. Making recording sessions available to your workforce also allows them to go back and review the content as needed.
Here are some tips for getting the most out of recorded content:
- Replace the video regularly to reflect the latest benefits offerings
- Include time stamps and searchable transcripts so that users can easily find relevant segments
- Break multihour sessions into small, subject-specific videos
Talk to your benefits administrator or advisory group about recording benefits information sessions. Often, they can provide tips and guidance that will benefit your entire workforce.
Personalized Guidance Increases Benefit Utilization
It’s one thing to offer great benefits. It’s another to see employees actually use them to their full advantage. Personalized education helps bridge the gap. When workers understand why a benefit exists and how to access it, utilization rates rise drastically.
Let’s say one of your employees learns about your company’s mental health coverage through a Q&A session. This knowledge could break down a barrier and prompt them to schedule counseling when they need it.
Information like this supports employee well-being and maximizes the ROI of your benefits packages. After all, your organization and your workforce are paying for the perks you offer. Why not do all you can to ensure they are utilized effectively?
Tailored Communication Boosts Company Culture
Employees notice when their organization invests in helping them make informed decisions. Providing tailored benefit guidance communicates that you care about and respect your team. It’s particularly effective if you offer it in a conversational, accessible format.
Benefits are an important part of your employee compensation package and a crucial tool for retaining talent. They are also a sign that company leadership actively cares about the well-being of staff members. This creates a positive feedback loop that further contributes to retention and recruiting.
Partner With Benefits Advisory Group for Tailored Guidance
Over 40% of employees say that they would be more loyal to their employer if benefit options were customized around their needs. To offer that level of personalization, you need the support of Benefits Advisory Group. We provide customized benefits packages, consulting, and educational sessions designed to create a better work environment for everyone.
At Benefits Advisory Group, we partner with employers to provide expert-led benefits explanations, live Q&A sessions, and recorded modules. Discover how tailored benefit guidance can turn your employee compensation strategy into a true competitive advantage. Contact us to get started.