Colonial Life survey says workers want better benefits communication

New research shows employees value good benefits education

COLUMBIA, S.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– American workers say understanding their benefits is very important — and there’s a lot their employers could do to improve benefits communication. That’s according to new research commissioned by Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company and conducted online by Harris Interactive^® in late February.

The survey queried 2,111 U.S. adults age 18 and older employed full or part time about the benefits education available to them at work. Individuals whose employers offer benefits are nearly unanimous at 98 percent in saying it’s at least somewhat important to understand the benefits provided to them by their employer, and a strong majority — 73 percent — say it’s very important.

Employees also feel strongly about making sure they have enough financial protection for themselves and their families: 97 percent say it’s at least somewhat important, and 67 percent say it’s very important. Other factors employees ranked highly in the survey included:

• Having choices to customize the benefits package — 95 percent say it’s at least somewhat important; 59 percent say it’s very important.
• Receiving regular information updates from their employer about the benefits program — 95 percent say it’s at least somewhat important; 53 percent say it’s very important.
• Having convenient access to a benefits expert to talk with face-to-face — 90 percent say it’s at least somewhat important; 46 percent say it’s very important.

“Clearly, employees want access to information and understand the importance of their employer-provided benefits in protecting their families’ financial well-being,” said Steve Bygott, assistant vice president of marketing analysis and programs at Colonial Life. “These survey results don’t surprise us, but they send an important message employers need to hear if they want to get the most out of their costly benefits investment.”

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Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance