The last couple of years have brought unique challenges to both employees and the workplace. As a result, what is important to employees continues to evolve when it pertains to their benefits. Here are six trends in benefits communications we think you need to pay attention to in the coming year.
1. Custom Employee Benefits Experiences
75% of employers are enabling employees to have greater customization of their benefits (or intend to), according to MetLife’s U.S. Employee Benefit Trend Survey. And that customization extends to how benefits are communicated, too. By leveraging data, you can provide personalized benefits materials and campaigns that will maximize engagement and drive a greater ROI. Use data to make your benefits communication more meaningful.
2. Communications Beyond Open Enrollment
The MetLife survey also revealed that nearly 7 in 10 employees want to hear from business leaders about their benefits after they’ve already signed up for them. In response, more than half of employers say they’re increasing benefits communication this year or plan to do so. Learn more about the true value of year-round communications.
3. COVID Employee Communications
With surges happening across the U.S., companies are ramping up communications to encourage safety, educate about vaccines and emphasize health protocols. Get some tips on communicating to your organization about COVID.
4. Heightened Focus on Employee Mental Health
Since the pandemic, the conversation around mental health has grown. Many companies are proactively talking about mental health in a way they never have before—to bring authenticity, build support and bolster employee morale. Learn how to provide support for employee mental health.
5. Focus on Financial Wellness
Best Money Moves reports that employees who are constantly worried about their finances are twice as likely to look for a different job, and that stress costs employers 13-18% of annual salary. A Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) survey found that financial wellness programs not only focus workers, but improve their overall well-being, increase employee retention and can attract new hires. Bottom line: Regularly communicating about financial tools and programs helps employees address an important part of their overall well-being.
6. Holistic Employee Wellness Focus
Employees are more than their jobs. They have lives outside of work and the best employers recognize and support that. To best position your organization to succeed in today’s competitive job market, employee well-being must be prioritized. Get tips on implementing a more holistic well-being culture in your organization.
Flexibility and adaptability are key to your benefits communications strategy in 2022. Keep your foot on the gas as you navigate 2022—and if we can assist with your efforts, reach out at helloindy@westcomm.com or follow us on LinkedIn for more insights.
