Three big ways to build a next-level employee experience
Welcome to The Benefits Briefing, where we discuss the most recent topics in leave management, compliance, regulations, HR tools and so much more.
We've stepped into the experience era!?At Unum, we get that benefits are a big deal in shaping both employer and employee journeys. We've just wrapped up our latest Market View Report, diving into the must-haves for a stellar benefits experience. Insights from 403 employers reveal what's trending, what's not and how benefit carriers can lend a hand. Our new Chief Experience Officer, Polly Nicholas, understands the significance of creating empowering experiences for both employers and employees to thrive. She emphasizes, "The voice of our customers drives our priorities today and shapes our future."
So, when we asked employers about their benefits game, an overwhelming 91% agreed: employee experience is make-or-break for success. If you’re eager to elevate your approach, keep reading to explore the biggest takeaways to help you enhance the experience within your own company.
1. Start thinking about your 2025 investments — now
In today's ever-changing workplace, employers are all about investing in benefits, knowing that a top-notch employee experience sets them apart.
While many employers are confident in their current offerings to enhance employee wellbeing and maintain a competitive edge, they’re investing in attracting new talent (58%), training and career development (51%), employee engagement (49%) and benefits and support services (49%).
2. Elevate offerings with upgrades that remove hurdles for HR
Benefits are one of the biggest influences on employee experience — and can also present some of the biggest challenges for employers. Only 30% of employers rated themselves excellent in the non-medical benefits they offer. While 85% of employers shared that they are willing to invest more and partner closely with carriers to support a better benefits experience for their employees, and fewer frustrations for HR.
Nine out of ten employers agree: a stellar employee benefits experience is vital, with 92% saying it's important for the overall employee experience and 88% linking it to both retention and productivity, while 86% see it as crucial for engagement.
3. Perfect every step, from seamless enrollment to effortless claims
When it comes to enrollment education and claims processing, employers recognize they need help.
In fact, 72% of employers agree that carriers should take on the bulk of enrolling employees, and they want more from their carriers when it comes to education and enrollment, including clearer communication and better employee training.?
Employers also pointed out that smooth claims processes are super important for keeping employees happy. Employers using a tech-forward approach to benefits administration rated the following as highly important for employee satisfaction: quick payment delivery, easy access to coverage info, simple claims submission and live support.
In the end, enhancing your employee experience begins with the right carrier that has the right priorities
Unum is dedicated to understanding and improving every part of the benefits and leave experience, including how employees get paid and return to work to how they enroll and use their benefits. This end-to-end approach focuses on eliminating problem areas and leveraging tech solutions to ensure employees feel supported and satisfied throughout the whole journey.
Because, as our inaugural CXO, Polly Nicholas, puts it, “If you take care of your employees, they’ll take good care of your customers.”
Thank you for reading this month's edition of The Benefits Briefing. Let us know in the comments your favorite formal and informal ways to improve the employee experience in your organization!
Unum Market Insights report, Employer Pulse Survey Employee Benefit Experiences, 2024.
The information provided is not legal advice and should not be relied upon or construed as legal advice.
Insurance products are underwritten by the subsidiaries of Unum Group.
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