At the end of 2020, as HR managers or professionals, you are already aware that your employees are more confused than ever before about their benefits. The uncertainty and all other negative aspects of this year resulted in high levels of confusion about the employee benefits, an increase of 25% over pre-pandemic levels.
The new year will require even more support from your side. Employees will need more communication and more careful navigation in using their benefits in 2021. Fortunately, you have access to technologies and services that can support you in these more demanding times. So here are New Year’s resolutions you can make for your Employee Benefits program.
1. Communicate frequently and effectively
One of the resolutions could be communicating with empathy and authentically with your employees about their wealth and health needs and issues and understanding how Employee Benefits can match these needs. 2020 was hard on everyone and brought a lot of challenges that your employees never had before.
Design meaningful communication campaigns to build employee engagement, provide clarity, and maximize participation in the benefits program. Don’t hesitate to use licensed and qualified benefits counselors to listen and speak to your employees one on one, and help them make choices that best suit their needs.
2. Provide more care navigation
The COVID-19 pandemic made many employees put off their needed health care. Fears and an overcrowded health system resulted in less care and fewer requests for support in important health issues. Helping your employees take care of their health and navigate the healthcare system easily will be valued and increase your employee engagement.
Making sure that your employees stay healthy is good for the business bottom line as well. Moreover, receiving the proper guidance in accessing the health care system and working more on prevention reduces your business health care costs.
3. Invest more in benefits technology
Let 2021 to be the year in which you trust technology more. Automated systems can enable your HR team to manage the benefits process throughout the year seamlessly.
Technology can also support your employees to understand better and access easier the benefits packages you offer them. Provide them a single place, such as a platform or app, to enroll, access self-service options, or go for help with more complex issues related to their benefits.
If you are ready to commit to these New Year’s resolutions, you should also be aware that you are not alone. This could be another resolution: ask for help, count on qualified counselors, and professional services to enhance your Employee Benefits Program.