Perhaps the most important communication tool of all in explaining the value of a benefits program is a digital decision-support tool.

If even a fraction of the money invested in benefits was spent on communicating their value to employees, we would have a more engaged and appreciative workforce. According to the latest report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the cost of employee benefits accounts in March 2020 for nearly a third of total employee compensation (29.8 percent). Employees aren't typically as invested in the value of benefits because they don't know enough about the available plans, or haven't had adequate time to calculate the financial impact.

With so many changes happening in the workplace and with personal health and finance concerns, employees are likely to focus much more of their attention on benefits offered during open enrollment than in years past.