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Effective Strategies for Educating Employees on Benefits

By Kirsten Ellis posted 02-26-2025 08:00 AM

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In today’s competitive job market, attracting and retaining talent has become increasingly challenging for organizations. While traditional benefits, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off, remain essential, many companies are exploring an array of alternative benefits and incentives. These offerings may include flexible work schedules, remote work options, wellness programs, career development opportunities, and mental health support.

Providing innovative benefits boosts employee satisfaction, engagement, and retention, while bolstering an employer’s brand. According to a 2024 study by MetLife, employees who are satisfied with their benefits are 1.5 times more likely to be engaged and loyal and even more likely than that to be productive.

While a diverse package of benefits is highly valued by most employees, these offerings can sometimes be overlooked or underutilized due to a lack of awareness or understanding. To help prevent that from happening, it is essential to educate employees about the value and proper utilization of all available benefits.

In the following, we present strategies that can help ensure employees are aware of their benefits and know how to use them.

Provide Clear Communication

Here are some effective methods of communication:

Onboarding: New hires should be informed about all the benefits they’re eligible for as part of the onboarding process.

Step-by-Step Guides: These are helpful walkthroughs on how to apply for benefits like flexible working hours, mental health services, or professional development opportunities.

FAQs and Live Support: Provide employees with a list of frequently asked questions and a support feature to get immediate assistance if they have trouble navigating the portal or using a benefit.

Workshops or Webinars: Host regular sessions (either in-person or virtually) to explain the benefits in more detail, allowing employees to ask questions and gain a deeper understanding.

Regular Reminders: Even after the initial education, employees can forget about certain benefits or fail to take full advantage of them. Here are a couple of examples of ways that employers can send periodic reminders:

- - Email Newsletters: Monthly or quarterly newsletters can remind employees of benefits they may not have used recently, provide tips on maximizing their value, and highlight success stories of employees who’ve benefited from certain offerings.

- Benefit Alerts: Sending notifications about new benefits or upcoming deadlines (e.g., for open-enrollment periods or wellness challenges) can help keep employees engaged.

Utilize Technology

Technology can significantly enhance employee education and streamline access to benefits. By incorporating technology into the communication of benefits, employers can assist employees in finding, understanding, and utilizing their benefits more effectively.

Benefits Portal or Mobile App: A centralized online benefit portal and/or mobile app is a powerful tool for employees to easily access information about their benefits in one location.

Automated Reminders: Automated emails or notifications through apps can remind employees of upcoming deadlines or benefits they may not have utilized recently. For example:

- - Mental Health Days: An automated reminder about available mental health days or counseling services can prompt them to take advantage of this benefit.

Professional Development Deadlines: If there’s a deadline for submitting tuition reimbursement or enrolling in a training program, automated notifications can help ensure that employees don’t miss out on these opportunities.

Interactive Tools: Tools such as quizzes or assessments can engage employees and guide them toward the benefits that best meet their needs. For instance:

- Wellness Assessment: A simple quiz could help employees determine what types of wellness programs would benefit them most, whether it’s fitness classes, yoga, or stress management workshops.

- Career Development Planning: An online tool could allow employees to assess their career goals and suggest relevant development opportunities, such as mentorship programs or skills-based training.

Engage Employee Ambassadors

Employees who are advocates for benefits can enhance awareness and adoption among their coworkers. These "benefit champions" can act as liaisons between HR and employees, share their experiences, and help others navigate the benefits process.

Investing in employee education regarding their benefits not only enhances employee well-being but also strengthens the organization as a whole. Employees who feel supported and empowered to utilize their benefits are more likely to demonstrate loyalty, engagement, and motivation, ultimately contributing to a more positive and productive work environment.

Consulting and Enterprise members can contact Employers Council for additional guidance on benefits education. All members can learn more by accessing our Developing a Benefits Communication Strategy whitepaper.