Uncertainties in the U.S. job market have caused many challenges for those nonprofits seeking to hire the best and brightest job candidates. As talent in the nonprofit sector becomes scarce, businesses must take the initiative to revamp their employee benefits offerings and ensure that their workforce is content with the existing package. Conducting an employee benefits survey is one of the best ways to measure the effectiveness of a benefits package. A benefits survey is an excellent way for nonprofits to compare their benefits package to those of similar organizations nationwide.
What To Ask In A Nonprofit Employee Benefits Survey
Learn what essential questions should be asked in a nonprofit employee benefits survey.
1. How Satisfied Are You With The Current Health Benefits?
According to a 2019 nonprofit employment report, nonprofit organizations employed the third most employees in the U.S. When entering the nonprofit sector, many job candidates are searching for attractive benefits, particularly health insurance. Today, employers offer a variety of policy types, such as Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Point of Service (POS), Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO), Health Savings Account (HSA) and Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) plans. In the survey, ask employees if they are satisfied with the current health insurance offerings and if not, request an explanation.
2. Are You Currently Enrolled In Our Health Plan?
Although an employee may say that they are satisfied with the current health plan offerings, this does not necessarily mean that they have chosen to enroll. Sometimes, employees do not have a choice in the matter, such as when employees reduce their hours and no longer qualify for insurance. In addition, some classifications may not be offered insurance, such as seasonal workers. Employees may also refuse coverage due to cost, lack of in-network providers and similar reasons. Be sure to ask if employees are currently enrolled in the current health plan and if not, why they refused coverage.
3. Would You Like More Training Or Professional Growth Opportunities?
While standard benefits such as health insurance are sought by most workers, employers often overlook the importance of advanced employee training and professional growth opportunities. Many employees strive to climb the career ladder and ultimately make more money and encounter new opportunities. In the employee benefits survey, ask employees about their preferences when it comes to taking part in new training or professional growth programs or seminars.
4. Are You Satisfied With The Retirement Plan Options?
Today, employees have access to more types of retirement plans than ever before. Many nonprofits choose to help their employees save for their future by offering employer-sponsored retirement plans including 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, SIMPLE IRA plans, SEP plans, 457 plans, profit-sharing plans (PSPs) or cash-balance plans. It can be useful to gauge how employees feel about the current retirement plan options and if they would prefer another type of retirement savings account.
5. On A Scale From 1 To 10, Can You Rank Each Benefit By Importance?
Some employee benefits are naturally more important than others. For example, most employees find health insurance to be one of the most important benefits, while fringe benefits such as education assistance and employee discounts may be less essential. Ask employees to rate each benefit on a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the least importance and 10 being the most important. This can help employers determine which benefits should remain or be improved, and where the business can cut costs.
6. How Do The Benefits Compare To Other Nonprofits You Have Worked At?
All organizations are unique in their benefits offerings. It can be useful to learn how employees compare one business to the next based on the types of benefits offered, how much time off is granted and the communication of employee benefits. When employees take the extra time to provide valuable feedback, employers can gain a better understanding of their strengths and where they fall short when offering benefits.
7. What Other Types Of Benefits Would You Like To Be Offered?
Many nonprofits miss opportunities to offer employees new or improved benefits. In the benefits survey, ask employees directly what other types of benefits they would like to see offered by the organization. This could include more wellness programs, access to gym memberships or nutritional counseling. It could also mean additional types of insurance, such as accidental death and dismemberment. Use the feedback provided by employees to make improvements to the current benefits package.
8. Do You Understand All The Benefits We Offer?
Employee benefits can sometimes be complex and not all employees may fully understand their options. It can be useful to ask the workforce if they understand all of the available benefits, as well as the features and perks of each benefit. Allow employees to respond with a more detailed answer about what benefits they may not understand or have questions about. Using this feedback, follow up with these employees later, or provide additional resources to all employees that better explain benefits options.
9. What Benefit Do You Like The Most? The Least?
Nonprofits are always looking for new ways to reduce costs. Due to the rising costs of employee benefits, discontinuing benefits that are no longer wanted or needed by employees can be a great way to save money that could be better spent elsewhere. On the employee benefits survey, ask employees what benefit they like the most and what benefit they like the least. Compare the answers from all employees and see if there is a pattern. If a certain benefit is liked least by a majority of employees, consider removing or exchanging it for a more popular benefit option.
Schedule A Consultation With The Experts At BBG
Today’s workforce is unique in their goals, priorities and expectations. If you are a nonprofit in need of assistance to determine the best benefits strategy, the experienced business benefits consultants at the Business Benefits Group can help. To learn more about what questions to ask in a nonprofit employee benefits survey or to schedule a consultation with a benefits consultant, contact BBG online today.