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A recent survey by GRiD, the trade association for the group risk sector, found that 34% of UK employers believe their staff are unaware of or do not understand the benefits offered to them.
This includes a range of benefits such as pensions, healthcare and group risk benefits such as employer-sponsored life insurance, income protection and critical illness cover. The findings underline the need for employers to better educate their workforce about the benefits available.
The research also shows that only 44% of employees feel they have a good understanding of the health and wellness benefits available to them. This gap in understanding can prevent employees from taking full advantage of the benefits when they need to.
While 78% of employers actively encourage their staff to take advantage of the benefits offered, 18% leave it up to employees to take the initiative to use the benefits themselves. GRiD suggests that this hands-off approach can lead to missed opportunities, as the investment in benefits may not be fully understood, appreciated or leveraged.
How employers communicate benefits
Employers use several methods to communicate employee benefits, the most popular of which are:
– Welcome packages for staff (35%)
– Information about the first working day (33%)
– Employee handbooks (31%)
– Staff notice boards (29%)
– Email campaigns (29%)
– Company intranet (28%)
– Promotional days organized by advisors/providers (26%)
On average, employers use four different channels to communicate their benefits program. GRiD advocates more robust and routine communication strategies, utilizing both online and offline options and resources from partners, advisors and employee contact groups.
Plans to improve communication
Over the next twelve months, many employers plan to improve their communications efforts:
– 39% want to increase the encouragement to take advantage of the available benefits
– 36% will place greater emphasis on support for all areas of health and wellbeing, including mental, financial, physical and social
– 34% plan to increase the amount of communication
– 31% will boost their investments in this area
Katharine Moxham, spokesperson for GRiD, emphasized the importance of continuously improving communications: “An organization’s workforce is not a static entity. New hires, departures and returns from absence mean employers must continually strive to improve communication. This ensures that all employees know how to access and utilize their benefits, leading to better appreciation and value.”
Moxham added: “Whether staff choose to participate or not, proactive support from the organization promotes a sense of loyalty and goodwill. Our research shows that routine employee benefits communication is crucial to recognizing its true value.”
This research highlights a significant opportunity for employers to improve their communications strategies and ensure employees are fully aware of the benefits available to them and can use them effectively.