A third of employees don’t understand their benefits
Are you sure your employees know the benefits packages they enrolled in during your open enrollment?
If so, you might want to think again. A recent survey by Voya Financial revealed that 35 percent of those surveyed said they did not understand what benefits they enrolled in during open enrollment. And for younger workers, the number increased to 54 percent.
The disconnect came even after employees spent a lot of time reviewing benefits, with 56 percent saying they spent more time researching benefits during the last open enrollment than in the past.
Confused employees?
Employees not fully understanding benefits is nothing new. In 2017, a survey by Guardian revealed that only 49 percent of employees could accurately recite what benefits they selected. And 20 percent of workers surveyed in a MetLife survey said they were confused and stressed about open enrollment periods.
Those surveys were done before Covid. The pandemic has placed a new emphasis on health insurance, supplemental health coverage and other benefits. In the past, workers may not have paid as much attention.
How to improve benefits communication
Finding ways to communicate benefits better is crucial since companies are increasing their offerings, including financial and mental wellness, along with staples like health insurance.
Voya’s survey said 66 percent of people wanted a year-round approach to benefits education, with the number reaching 78 percent for younger workers.
The age of employees can make a big difference in how they prefer to receive communications about benefits. Email may work for some, but others may prefer a 1-1 meeting.
If your business is reopening, we can help you launch a commuter benefits program. Our core focus is handling employer and employee-based commuter pre-tax benefits programs. We can help you set it up, including easy online administration, and provide the education your team needs to understand why it’s important for them.
If you’re ready to provide meaningful benefits to your employees as they head back to the office, check out our website at www.commuterbenefits.com to learn more.
