Only half of employers (53 per cent) believe their workers have a good understanding of the full range of benefits provided, according to research by Towergate Employee Benefits.
This study shows that the majority of businesses (63 per cent) think that hybrid working patterns continue to make it difficult to communicate about health and wellbeing support to staff. In addition, employers believe that making communications relevant to a diverse workforce is more complicated, with 64 per cent of employers citing this as an issue.
However, the study also shows that more than three out of four employers (76 per cent) are communicating with staff more frequently about the benefits they offer. In addition the breadth of media used has also increased, with 75 per cent of those surveyed saying they now use apps and digital platforms alongside more traditional communications.
Towergate Employee Benefits head of wellbeing Debra Clark says: “Benefits are effectively wasted if they are not communicated, and it is clear from our research that employers need some help in doing so, due to the shift in work settings and diverse employee profiles.”
Although the research shows that employers are finding it harder to communicate health and wellbeing support well, the figures do also reveal that they are moving with the times and adapting their benefit communication to meet changing needs.”
She adds that a successfully communicated benefits programme will assist with the recruitment, retention and engagement of employees, as well as reducing absence levels and increasing productivity.
Clark adds: “There are lots of ways for employers to communicate their full range of health and wellbeing support. Particularly with the emergence of digital platforms, there are now many communications options which can be a great way to help a benefits package provide value for money and a return on investment.”
