Let's Talk Benefits
All companies, regardless of their size, structure or sector face an ongoing challenge
to constantly do the best for their people, keep their workforce on side and ensure
that the entire organisation is working towards the same, shared goal.
This challenge has intensified as the tough economic and business environment has
forced many businesses to revisit and refocus the way they engage with and reward
their people. When it comes to their rewards and benefits, many companies have
responded to this climate by cutting back on bonuses and other ad-hoc employee
rewards, others have chosen to try to do more with less, whilst a few have decided to
continue with increased investment in their people and the benefits available to them.
Regardless of the approach selected to ride out the turbulence in the market one of
the critical success factors all organisations continually have to address and get right
is communication with employees about rewards and benefits.
Getting communication ‘right’ with your people is a must for organisations and
when it comes to talking about employee benefits, it’s clear from our research
that individuals are keen to talk. Indeed, half of those we have surveyed feel their
employer communicates with them often enough about benefits. But although this
is an encouraging figure and suggests that many companies are on the right track,
the survey findings suggest that many more employers need to take action and
make changes.
Certainly, it’s clear that what you do say, what you don’t say and how you say it
speaks volumes to your people about your employee benefits offering.
Although the tools and techniques you can employ to talk benefits can vary,
the potential payback of getting benefits communication right – including using
consistent messaging, being creative with communication channels and getting line
managers on board – continues to be extremely important and has strong potential
to deliver a positive return for your organisation and your people.
This research report presents the findings of our 2010 study into employees’
experiences, expectations and preferences when it comes to employee benefits
communication. Alongside a discussion of the key research findings we also take
this opportunity to outline some of the steps and issues you as an employer might
consider to make your benefits communication as real, relevant, effective and
accessible as possible.
introduction
