The importance of benefits technology amid the new world of remote work
Employees want benefits they can access 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and they expect employers to deliver.
The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way employees work and the way employers recruit. But one thing that hasn’t changed is the need for great benefits. Employees want benefits they can access 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and they expect employers to deliver.
Related: Remote workers face new and emerging risks
This is especially critical today when health is top of mind and workers want to know they will be covered if they get sick. Organizations can use benefits technology to deliver the functionality and flexibility employees need to access their benefits at any time.
Recruit top-tier candidates while working remotely
Some large corporations, including Twitter, have said their employees can continue to work from home even after the pandemic has subsided. By the end of 2021, 25% to 30% of the U.S. workforce could work from home multiple days a week. In fact, a recent Gartner report suggests that number could be even higher with more than two-fifths (41%) of employees working remotely at least part of the time.
With that in mind, remote recruiting will continue to be necessary for some time to come. This is a new concept for many organizations, but they can have an advantage in attracting top talent if they offer a competitive benefits offering that is easy-to-access and meets their individual needs. Through technology, benefits can be managed and administered at a global-level and easily delivered to a remote, multinational workforce while maintaining employer brand and a level of global consistency.
Our latest research found that 82% of employees who think that their organization takes their needs into account ‘strongly agree’ that their employer-provided benefits make them feel valued, and 68% see themselves staying at their organization for the long-term. Benefits technology makes it easier for employees to engage with and select their benefits, allowing organizations to demonstrate that they value their people.
As lifestyles and working arrangements change, empower employees to review their benefits mix
At a time of confusion and heightened anxiety, employees are looking for reassurance – and employers have the ability to provide it. The Internal Revenue Service has currently rolled back limitations on the selection period that requires employees to sign up for benefits within a multi-week window or forego them for the remainder of the year.
As a result, organizations that use benefits technology can allow their employees to easily adjust their benefits selections at any time during the pandemic from anywhere.
By highlighting these and other advantages that benefits technology provides, employers can easily convey their list of benefits to attract job seekers looking to apply. This is another differentiating factor for employers looking to attract and retain talent.
Support staff with the benefits they need, when they need them
With so much uncertainty, now is the time for organizations to provide comfort and encouragement – both for existing and prospective talent – with benefits that meet the individual needs of each employee. This is especially important during difficult times, which can make employees feel vulnerable to factors outside their control.
These concerns aren’t going away any time soon, but employers can do their part to support prospective and current employees by offering personalized and easy to access benefits. Doing so will allow employees to access the support they need most – to assist their physical and mental well-being – whenever they need it.
Chris Bruce is managing director and co-founder of Thomsons Online Benefits.
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