Finding the right employees who fit a role perfectly, have the right attitude, and are available can be challenging. Hiring is not only time-consuming but also expensive, especially if the wrong candidate is selected, leading to additional training and onboarding costs.
However, there are strategies to improve a new employee’s attitude or maintain their positive outlook, one of which is implementing a well-structured benefits program. While having a benefits program is advantageous, it’s crucial that employees are fully aware of what the program entails.
Surprisingly, many workers are unaware of the benefits packages available to them at their workplace. Studies reveal that nearly half of the employees are not informed about their entitlements. This article provides 5 essential tips for communicating benefits effectively, ensuring your employees can fully utilise the available resources.
Ensure Benefits Information is Accessible
One of the main reasons employees might be unaware of their benefits is a lack of accessibility to this information.
Although sometimes this isn’t entirely the company’s fault, as the benefits information may be available but overlooked by the employees, making the benefits strategy more prominent can significantly improve awareness.
1. Utilise Social Media
Social media is an excellent tool for disseminating information. With various platforms available, these can be used to share benefits-related updates, encourage employees to join work-related groups, and keep them informed. For example, creating a dedicated Facebook group for company updates, including benefits programs, can increase visibility.
Social media platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn can also be valuable for recruitment and sharing benefits information with potential hires during their research process.
2. Include Benefits Information on Payslips
Payslips are another effective medium for communicating benefits. Since salary is a significant factor for most employees, they regularly check their payslips, making it an ideal place to include information about available benefits.
You can list key benefits such as dental, maternity leave, and health benefits at the bottom of the payslip to catch the employee’s attention and educate them about what’s available.
3. Implement an Employee Bulletin
An employee bulletin is a simple yet effective way to remind employees of their benefits. Whether it’s a notice on the break room wall or a whiteboard in a common area, these visual reminders can reinforce that employees are entitled to more than just their paycheck.
To make the bulletin stand out, use a large, bold font and bright, coloured paper. Position it in a high-traffic area, such as next to the weekly schedule, ensuring maximum visibility.
4. Use Digital Newsletters
Digital newsletters have become a popular way to communicate within the workplace. Including a section dedicated to employee benefits in these newsletters can keep employees informed about what they are entitled to, along with detailed explanations of each benefit.
5. Involve Managers and HR Teams
Managers play a crucial role in maintaining employee morale and motivation. They are often the primary point of contact for employees and are well-positioned to communicate benefits effectively.
Train your managers on the details of the benefits program and encourage them to share this information with their teams. Whether in team meetings or one-on-one sessions, managers can relay this information during regular interactions, ensuring that employees are always informed.
Additionally, your HR team should take an active role in ensuring that benefits are communicated clearly and consistently, making themselves available to answer any employee queries.
Incorporate Benefits Communication in the Onboarding Process
The onboarding process is a critical time for new employees, and it’s an excellent opportunity to introduce them to the company’s benefits program.
During training, ensure that managers clearly explain the available benefits. New employees may feel intimidated and might hesitate to ask about benefits, so providing this information upfront can help them feel more secure and valued in their new role.
Set Regular Reminders About Benefits
Communicating employee benefits shouldn’t be a one-time task. Regular reminders are essential to ensure that employees remember what benefits are available to them.
With the daily pressures of work, employees might forget about their benefits, especially during busy periods like the end of the financial year. Regular reminders can help reinforce that working for your company offers more than just a paycheck and can help alleviate stress.
Effective Tips for Communicating Employee Benefits
1. Gather Employee Feedback
Showing that you care about your employees by implementing a benefits program is crucial. However, it’s equally important to ensure that these benefits are relevant and genuinely support your staff.
To find out if your benefits program meets employee needs, consider sending out a quick email survey to gather feedback and make necessary adjustments.
2. Communicate Benefits Regularly
Maintaining an open line of communication is vital for keeping employees informed about their benefits. Poor communication can lead to employees being unaware of what’s available to them.
Both managers and HR professionals should ensure that communication about benefits is frequent and that they remain approachable and available to assist whenever needed.
3. Clearly Explain Benefits Programs
When informing employees about their benefits, clarity is key. Break down each benefit in simple terms to ensure everyone understands what’s available to them.
Conclusion
A well-communicated benefits program is directly linked to business success and increased employee productivity. However, if the benefits program is not communicated effectively, it will likely go underutilised. By incorporating the tips outlined above into your strategy, you can ensure that your employees are well-informed and engaged.
If you need assistance with implementing a benefits communication strategy or improving your current approach, our team is here to help. You can contact us here for more information.