A significant portion of UK employees remain uninformed about the benefits available to them, new research has shown.
A recent study highlights a concerning trend: 34% of UK employers report that their staff are unaware of the employee benefits they offer. This lack of awareness signals a critical need for enhanced communication and engagement strategies within organisations.
The Scope of Employee Benefits
Employee benefits in the UK encompass a wide range of offerings, including pensions, healthcare, and group risk benefits like employer-sponsored life assurance, income protection, and critical illness cover. Despite these valuable offerings, a startling number of employees remain unaware of them.
The research revealed that only 44% of employees feel they have a good understanding of the health and wellbeing benefits available to them. This gap in understanding means that many employees may not fully utilise the benefits provided, potentially missing out on critical support when needed.
Communication Methods
Employers are employing a variety of methods to communicate employee benefits, yet awareness remains low. The most popular methods include staff welcome packs (35%), information provided on the first day of employment (33%), and staff handbooks (31%).
Other common methods are staff noticeboards (29%), email campaigns (29%), the company intranet (28%), and promotional days run by advisers or providers (26%). On average, employers use four different channels to communicate their benefits programme effectively.
Current Employer Initiatives
While 78% of employers actively encourage their staff to use the benefits provided, 18% leave it up to employees to initiate the take-up of benefits themselves.
This hands-off approach can lead to missed opportunities, as the investment in benefits may not be fully understood, appreciated, or utilised. GRiD advocates for more robust and routine communication strategies.
Leveraging both online and offline options and resources from partners, advisers, and employee liaison groups is recommended to ensure comprehensive understanding and utilisation of benefits.
Planned Enhancements in Communication
In the coming 12 months, many employers plan to enhance their communication efforts. A notable 39% aim to increase encouragement for employees to use available benefits.
Additionally, 36% of employers will put more emphasis on support for all areas of health and wellbeing, including mental, financial, physical, and social aspects.
A further 34% plan to increase the amount of communication, while 31% will boost their investment in enhancing communication regarding benefits.
Expert Opinions
Katharine Moxham, spokesperson for GRiD, highlighted the importance of continuous improvement in communication: “An organisation’s workforce is not a static entity. New hires, departures, and returns from absence mean that employers must constantly strive to improve communication. This ensures that all employees know how to access and utilise their benefits, leading to better appreciation and value.”
Moxham further commented, “Whether or not staff choose to engage, proactive support from the organisation fosters a sense of loyalty and goodwill. Our research indicates that habitual communication of employee benefits is crucial for their true value to be recognised.”
Recommendations for Employers
The research underscores a significant opportunity for employers to enhance their communication strategies. Ensuring that employees are fully aware of and can effectively utilise the benefits available to them is paramount.
Employers are encouraged to adopt a proactive approach in communicating benefits. This includes regular updates and reminders about the available benefits and how to access them, tailored to meet the diverse needs of the workforce.
By doing so, organisations can ensure that their investment in benefits is understood, appreciated, and maximised, fostering a more engaged and loyal workforce.
The new research highlights a critical gap in employees’ awareness of their benefits, suggesting the need for improved communication strategies.
Employers must prioritise robust and routine communication to ensure that all staff members are informed and can fully utilise the benefits available to them. By doing so, organisations can enhance employee satisfaction and loyalty, ultimately benefiting both employees and the organisation as a whole.