Importance of Effective Benefits Education

Is your organization dedicating enough resources to creating and executing a benefits education strategy?

If you’re like most organizations, the answer to that question is a resounding no. That’s because only a third (1/3) of employees say they understand their benefits well, according to a recent survey of 1,500 full-time U.S. employees.¹

And as employee benefits continue to play a bigger role in job satisfaction², it’s become more important to ensure you are providing your employees with effective benefits education. Here is how to get started:

Clear and Consistent Communication

It’s easy to hand out a few brochures and flyers regarding your benefits and think that you are helping your employees learn about their options. But studies have shown that employees spend just 32 minutes on average researching their options³. This isn’t enough time to fully understand and make decisions about their benefit options. Employers should look for ways to provide clear and consistent communication throughout the pre-enrollment process to properly engage employees about all benefits as well as when and how to enroll. This should include a mix of communication mediums spread out over the course of multiple weeks to ensure maximum engagement.

Multiple Communication Mediums

It goes without saying that not all employees absorb information the same way. While some may prefer to read about their benefit options, others may prefer videos or even to speak to someone directly when considering their options. An effective communication plan should include multiple communication mediums, including videos, a benefits website, emails, and print materials, that allows employees to learn in a way that best meets their needs. This results in less confusion and higher participation.

Guided Support

Lastly, research indicates that guided enrollment support is a beneficial aspect of an effective benefits education strategy. Ninety-three percent of employees who’ve participated in one-to-one benefits counseling sessions found them valuable⁴. Whether it’s in-person, by phone, or virtually, these guided sessions provide employees a more personalized experience where they can ask key questions and receive recommendations based on their specific needs.

It may seem like a daunting task to implement an effective communication strategy for your employee benefits program. American Fidelity can help you develop and execute your benefits education strategy to ensure your employees are educated about their benefits while also removing much of the administrative burden placed on your organization.

See more about our benefits education process

This blog is up to date as of January 2021 and has not been updated for changes in the law, administration or current events.