How benefits call centers improve your clients' strategy
It's clear there's a disconnect between employers and their teams regarding benefits, but advisors can make a difference.
Benefits literacy is much more of an issue than many people might think. A study from Harvard Business Review revealed that less than half of employers feel that employees are qualified to choose a best-fit health plan. This poses a significant challenge to already overworked HR teams during OE.
It’s clear there’s a disconnect between employers and their teams regarding benefits, but advisors can make a difference. You can help bridge the knowledge gap by introducing your clients to a benefits call center. Call centers can help HR teams get more time back in their day by handling benefits inquiries and helping their people get the most out of the great benefits you’ve connected them with.
There are several advantages of using a benefits call center:
Personalized support
Every employee has different benefits needs. Call center professionals can provide individualized support that an employee may need when electing their benefits. This is not only beneficial for employees, but for HR as well. Overworked HR teams can get more time back into their day without dropping the employee anywhere on their benefits journey.
Expert knowledge
When an employee contacts a benefits call center, they’re speaking to licensed and trained professionals who have a deep understanding of employee benefits. Call center professionals can answer a wide range of benefits-related questions to help employees make informed decisions. They provide accurate information for employees, ensuring that they fully understand their benefits and how to get the most out of them.
A well-versed employee is more likely to see the value in their benefits. They’ll feel more supported by their employer and satisfied with their benefits, which improves morale and engagement in their work.
Improved employee satisfaction
Call center professionals are available year-round to support employees — not just during open enrollment. This provides employees with convenient access to necessary information at any given time. It’s common for call centers to give employees the option to call, email, or schedule a one-on-one appointment with a licensed benefits counselor. Connecting your clients to services like this helps them support their employees. When employees have access to dedicated resources like this, they are more likely to feel supported and valued by their employers.
Call centers — a crucial resource
Benefits call centers serve as a valuable resource for both employers and employees. Call centers help streamline the benefits management process for HR by freeing up valuable time that would be spent addressing routine benefits inquiries and concerns. On the other hand, employees benefit immensely from the support and information they can receive from employee benefit experts.
Put simply, benefits call centers act as a valuable channel for communication and assistance, promoting a well-informed and engaged workforce. They play a vital part in improving benefits literacy, resulting in a smoother and more successful administration of benefits for both employers and employees.