Smart Benefits: Engage Employees in Voluntary Benefits

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Monday, May 13, 2019

Rob Calise, GoLocalWorcester Business/Health Expert

According to the most recent Health and Workplace Benefits Survey conducted by the Employee Benefit Research Institute, the percentage of employees accessing voluntary benefits is only 12 percent. But since these perks can be an important part of a total benefits package, driving participation is important to improve benefits satisfaction and employee engagement. How can you boost participation?

• Personalize. Everyone in your organization will go through periods in their life when they could use some extra protection, like getting a new pet or caring for an aging adult. Target outreach to employees based on their circumstances to encourage them to consider what’s available when they need it most.
• Try an Opt-Out Approach. Instead of presenting voluntary benefits as options they can elect, try the opposite approach and consider pre-filling “yes” to the selections and require employees to de-select what they don’t want. That simple step can encourage them to review their options more closely.
• Communicate. Review your voluntary benefits enrollment materials at least annually to make sure they’re clear and engaging. Then use multiple touchpoints to reach employees throughout the year to build awareness of additional opportunities they have to help cover their needs and protect their finances.

 

Rob Calise is the Managing Director, Employee Benefits of The Hilb Group of New England, where he helps clients control the costs of employee benefits by focusing on consumer-driven strategies and on how to best utilize the tax savings tools the government provides. Rob serves as Chairman of the Board of United Benefit Advisors, and is a board member of the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of RI Broker Advisory Board, United HealthCare of New England Broker Advisory Board and Rhode Island Business Healthcare Advisors Council. He is also a member of the National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU), American Health Insurance Association (AHIA) and the Employers Council on Flexible Compensation (ECFC), as well as various human resource associations. Rob is a graduate of Bryant University with a BS in Finance

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