The importance of workplace benefits speaks for itself when nearly 75 percent of middle-income employees say they rely on them for a majority of their financial security. The employers get something out of workplace benefits, too: Four out of five employees say that benefits are the deciding factor in taking a new job or staying with their current company, according to the 2014 Guardian Workplace Benefits Study.

Despite the importance benefits can have, the study revealed that only 25 percent of workers say employer communication is helpful for choosing their best benefits options.

“As Americans get ready to sign up for their workplace benefit coverage this open enrollment season, it’s important to recognize how benefits contribute to the overall financial well-being of most workers,” said Phyllis Falotico, head of group marketing at Guardian. “Workplace benefits are essential to most Americans’ financial security and employers have a responsibility to improve their employee communications and participation programs to ensure their workforce is adequately covered.”