Committed, focused, productive, contented, engaged. Employers look for these qualities in job applicants. They want workers who will care about their work and want to contribute to the success of the business. But for employees to engage with their work, employers must focus on caring for their team members in five areas of wellbeing[1] Gallup has defined through extensive research. Employee benefits is one component of wellbeing, because it plays a significant role in employees' satisfaction with their work. Consider five ways benefits can enhance employee engagement:

  1. Express appreciation – Employees are employers' #1 business asset. In addition to the products and services offered by the company, employees differentiate a business from competitors. The benefits package is one way employers can express appreciation for the contributions employees make to their business.

    Benefits should help employees take care of their health and personal needs and those of their dependent family members. When this area of life is addressed, employees can put worry behind and focus on work and other things they value.

Research shows that benefits packages connect employees to their employer, which keeps turnover low. One study showed the benefits package was a major reason why employees stayed with a company[2].

  • Reinforce camaraderie – When employees are assured their benefits will meet their needs, morale is higher, and workers are supportive of each other. And when employees are content in other areas of their lives, they overlook idiosyncrasies and work together to help the business succeed. This positive attitude spills out into the business atmosphere and leaves a positive impression on business partners and community members. Customers are drawn to the business and quickly become loyal.
  • Demonstrate concern – In today's market, the traditional one-size-fits-all benefits plans will not meet employees' needs. Most employee groups are composed of a mix of ages, interests and expectations. The benefits older workers value may not be those preferred by younger employees.

    For example, older workers may want good medical coverage, along with dental, vision and hearing benefits, but other employee groups may want preventive medical and dental coverage, vision plans that cover LASIK or allow for annual purchases of new eyeglasses or contacts, or flexible work hours to accommodate family needs. These diverse expectations require plans that can be customized to the employee group. This can be a daunting task, but the right insurance carrier should be able to fulfill these requests easily.

  • Encourage value – Most people like to know their opinions are valued and that others listen to their ideas. Tailoring benefits to fit the needs of employee groups is another way employers can demonstrate the value they place on their workers. Designing the right benefits packages requires active listening to gather feedback on employee wants and needs. Host informal employee meetings, set up online surveys or create comment boards. If possible, keep the suggestions anonymous to ensure employees feel comfortable sharing their feedback without receiving retaliation or negative comments from others.
  • Adapt to needs – In addition to traditional health care coverage, many employers are offering a range of coverage choices, such as flexible time off, especially in summer and around major holidays, pet insurance, education assistance, financial coaching, unexpected bonuses or rewards for good work, tickets to local events and family activities, and schedule flexibility to juggle family needs[3].

    Wellness programs with meaningful incentives also are important. Employers are extending wellness efforts in new directions, such as offering health and lifestyle coaches, hosting fitness competitions and developing fitness teams.

    • According to a survey conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management, employers have increased the number of benefits perks available to employees and are offering unexpected bonuses and one-time incentive rewards to recognize employee accomplishments[4].

    Employee benefits provide an excellent opportunity to engage employees with employers, if the packages are designed to serve a diverse workforce. Employers must solicit employee feedback and incorporate good suggestions into coverage choices. This requires extensive work and time, but the rewards are worth it in terms of committed workers who inspire a positive attitude that draws customers to the business.

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