subject: Making Employee Benefits Plans Easy To Understand [print this page] Most business owners understand that in order to be a competitive employer in todays marketplace it is important to offer an attractive employee benefits plan to both hire and retain good associates. Realizing the needs of the employees plays an important role in getting this done.
Find out what employees really need
Companies often choose employee benefits plans based on cost or vendor presentation. But in order to provide the best employee benefits possible, they ought to serve the needs of those who will use them most their employees. A survey of employees to see what their biggest needs are in terms of health and finance related issues will help.
Employees should have a say
After employees make it clear as to what they truly desire in a benefits plan, allow them to have a say in what is offered. Employees that are allowed to voice their opinion and take ownership of important company decisions like their benefits package, will feel a much greater loyalty to their employer, and be even more motivated to accomplish the overall company goals.
Have company benefits provided by a single source
With the myriad of various vendors offering benefits plans, it is easy for employees to get confused and frustrated. It makes more sense to work with a company that specializes in handling all of the details of the benefits plan.
There is a much better chance that benefits communication can be more seamlessly aligned to provide a clearer message, and much easier for employees to understand. Also, employees who understand their benefits are much more likely to use them.
Communicate the benefits program simply and effectively
Employee benefits marketing should be exceptionally easy to understand. By removing insurance related jargon and highly complicated statistics in the benefits communication materials (whether it is in the brochures, on the website, or even in the enrollment materials) will enable employees to better understand what they are signing up for.
The company may have a really good benefits offering that is tailor made to its employees. It may even have the most easy-to-understand materials, allowing for educated employees. But if employees dont know how to enroll in the plan or understand how to use their benefits, then most likely they wont. Its as simple as that. So, to combat this from happening, be sure to let employees know exactly what they need to do.
