Most benefits communication and education efforts fall short, employees say

Employers have plenty of room for improvement when it comes to personalized benefits communication and education, according to a new workplace study from LegalShield.

The survey of full-time employees found that nearly half (45%) found it challenging to obtain the information they need to understand their employer’s benefits offerings during open enrollment, while a third (34%) were not satisfied with the support they received regarding questions about their benefits. 

In addition, 52% of those surveyed said the current benefits information that they do receive isn’t adequate for their needs. When asked how benefits communication and education could improve, a vast majority of employees (89%) said they prefer benefits information that is specifically curated for their age, gender and location. 

Related: How brokers can support year-round benefit educational efforts

When asked how often they would like to receive benefits communication, more than half (51%) said they would prefer updates about their benefits options more than three times a year. And in another sign that current offerings are falling short, a third of respondents described their current support around benefits options as “inadequate,” while 79% said they would prefer to have access to a live representative to answer their questions. 

“[Employees have] come to demand an experience that features great support, personalization and clear value for the money,” said Emily B. Rose, LegalShield’s president of business solutions. “These findings illustrate a pivotal moment for employers and providers alike to rethink how they deliver the benefits experience.”

For employers and benefits advisors looking to improve the employee experience, here are a few more key findings that highlight areas employees feel are lacking:

• Top information gaps in current benefits communication: 
  • 41% of employees wantmore money-saving tips
  • 39% want updates about new benefits
  • 38% are looking for guidance for life events
• Preferred communication channels:
  • 41% prefer email for benefits communication
  • 27% prefer in-person meetings

The findings suggest that while top-notch benefits are a key to employee retention and satisfaction, companies will continue to struggle in these areas if their communication methods don’t continue to adapt and innovate.

Also: Engaging employees in your benefits communication

“Employers who tailor their benefits communication to employee needs will see higher engagement, better retention, and improved benefits utilization,” Rose said. “It’s not just about offering great benefits—it’s about ensuring employees understand and appreciate their value.”