Connecting benefits programs in a centralized digital hub reduces employee confusion by unifying data from a myriad of sources and programs in one place and personalizing the experience to meet each employee's needs and preferences. That includes benefits information, essential phone numbers, health care expense and chronic disease management tools, and health savings account (HSA) balance management from a single online or mobile engagement platform, for example.

When employees only have to remember one place to go, they are more likely to utilize available benefits, making it more likely employers will realize the potential value of the programs they are offering.

3. An improved user experience

Enhancing the employee experience means meeting them where they are to make engaging in their benefits programs as easy as possible. The programs that understand this concept best are actively engaged in a transition to mobile instead of or in addition to web platforms. People are increasingly attached to their smartphones 24/7, so making it convenient to access and engage with their benefits via their devices is critical to improving both their experience and utilization.

Examples include enabling users to take pictures of and securely upload necessary documents with their phones, schedule upcoming appointments or calls, connect with experts via in-app chat features, and more. Ensuring users can fully engage with a benefits program using their smartphone or other device creates a simpler, enhanced experience that drives utilization.

4. Robust integration

In addition to connecting benefits programs via a hub, further integration with other external tech or data sources provides additional value for both employers and employees. For example, developing programs to integrate medical devices for employees with chronic conditions can improve adherence with recommended treatments and help close gaps in care. While the number of disease states available is currently limited to diabetes and hypertension, along with a few others, having a glucose or blood pressure monitor available to employees at home that communicates and notifies either a care manager or provider when someone is out of recommended range can help address the issue sooner, improving outcomes and reducing costs.

Additionally, integration of electronic health records is also gaining momentum. When available, likely in the near future, having all data in one place will provide individuals and third-party program providers (compliant with privacy guidelines) a broader view of an employee's health, enabling more effective guidance to close gaps in care.

5. Data-driven benefit design

While data analytics can be utilized to improve the individual employee experience, brokers and organizations are also looking at how this information can be used more broadly to reduce costs. As an example, claims data can pinpoint which providers—including doctors as well as hospitals and other health care facilities—are the best value, providing high quality, cost-effective care. Organizations can use this data to build a narrow network that drives employees to specific providers to more effectively manage costs and improve outcomes across the entire covered population.

Data can also play a key role in how organizations determine which benefits to offer—looking at utilization, demographics, claims and more provides brokers, carriers and employers with an in-depth look at how benefits are being used, which are most effective, and more. If a program is under-utilized, it may be adapted or discontinued in favor of prioritizing a program that has a higher value or return on investment.

Analytics-based benefits design will continue to grow in the near future as employers continue to seek ways to reduce costs while improving both engagement and outcomes. The use of technology and data in benefits is dynamic and ever-changing, but carefully considering how and when to implement new programs or applications can have a significant impact on engagement, outcomes and medical costs. It's an ongoing process that requires brokers and consultants to stay abreast of the latest trends and understand which will be best for each of their clients and their unique goals.

Read more:

• Health care data analytics: true meaning, actionability and value
• How data analytics can help you reposition benefits offerings
• k;Demystifying benefits spend: How data analytics can help

Marcia Otto is vice president of product at Health Advocate. Dan Shields is vice president, product specialist.