Catherine Bennett
Managing Director
It still surprises me how many companies think simply launching a range of employee benefits is the way to ensure employee engagement.
All too often companies go to great lengths to plan a great benefits package and do their research on the cheapest or what they see as the simplest option to implement – just for it to fail to engage employees after the initial launch.
Relying on a launch campaign consisting of a few posters up in the workplace and not following up with regular communications is not the way to increase long-term engagement. Let’s face it, it doesn’t matter how good your benefits package is if your employees don’t know about it.
Technology can have a real positive impact on engagement – it doesn’t have to be complex or come with a big price tag either.
Technology and engagement
The best benefits technology platforms will provide functionality to incorporate company information, encouraging your employees to visit the platform to access information they need as part of their job.
I’d always suggest giving some thought to the information your company needs to get out to your employees on a regular basis – for example - training, health and safety, payslips and business news - could your benefits platform help you here?
Adding information on benefits from different providers to your own branded platform is key too, so your employees can see everything on offer. Including single sign on (SSO) to other providers’ platforms cuts out multiple log-ins and makes life easier for employees. If SSO isn’t an option then at the very least, your benefits site should include simple links to their websites.
Built-in messaging tools, newsfeeds and integrated company social media links are a great way to keep staff informed about company news and any benefit launches. Continually adding to your benefits over time helps to keep the conversation with your employees going and demonstrates your commitment to improving their benefits.
Benefits that include online applications makes life easier for employees and HR too, cutting out unnecessary paperwork.
Don’t just look at the price tag
A cheap and cheerful off-the-shelf option may work but be careful – it’s important to ensure engagement is between your employees and you - not your benefit provider!
Do your research and think about what’s right for your employees and what’s going to help with your particular HR objectives.
