Offering excellent benefits is a smart recruitment and retention strategy to help federal contractors build and retain a team of high-quality employees who deliver outstanding work. However, even the best benefits package in the industry will not yield results if employees are not aware of their available benefits and how they can access them.
There is plenty of evidence that many organizations fail to properly communicate the benefits they offer to their employee base. The “Strategic Benefits – Communicating Benefits” report found that just over one-fifth of respondents “strongly agree” that employees are being effectively informed about benefits.
Below is a closer look at the importance of this communication and how federal contractors can ensure employees make the most of their offerings.
Why Clear and Timely Benefits Communication Matters
Both federal contractors and their employees have much to gain when all parties are fully informed about their benefits. Here are the top reasons it is worth ensuring timely and clear communication.
It Can Increase Employee Satisfaction and Retention
When employees know the benefits available to them, they can better use and appreciate them. Even those who do not intend to use all of the benefits need to be aware of what is on offer, as this demonstrates that their employer cares about their well-being, which can increase their job satisfaction and make them more likely to remain loyal to their employer.
It Can Improve the Federal Contractor’s Reputation
When employees are satisfied with their benefits, they are more likely to talk about their employer positively to peers, including individuals who may work for the company and clients. This can help enhance a federal contractor’s reputation and image in their field and assist with recruitment efforts.
It Can Reduce Compliance-Related Issues
Employees who are fully informed about their benefits will be less likely to file lawsuits or other formal complaints against their employer related to perceived non-compliance or a misrepresentation of benefits.
Be timely in communicating benefits and give employees plenty of advance notice ahead of open enrollment periods to give them ample time to make decisions, compile information, and fill out forms.
How Can Federal Contractors Better Communicate Their Benefits To Employees?
Here are some tips for ensuring thorough benefits communication:
Make Education a Part of the Onboarding Process
It can be helpful to provide information about the organization’s benefits on the federal contractor’s careers page or in their job descriptions, so candidates enter into the application process with some familiarity with what is on offer.
In-depth education on benefits should also be incorporated into the employee onboarding process. A checklist can be helpful for employees to see everything at a glance, but management should also discuss benefits on a one-on-one basis with all new hires.
Ensure The Conversation Is Ongoing
For many federal contractors, discussions of benefits only arise upon hiring and during open enrollment periods. However, it is essential to make a habit of opening dialogues about benefits throughout the year. Some federal contractors may consider sending quarterly emails or newsletters outlining specific use cases for certain benefits.
Make Sure Benefits Are Accessible
Federal contractors should look for opportunities to make their benefits more accessible. An internal hub can be set up that allows employees to view and manage their benefits.
It is also important to provide clear contact information for the insurance companies and vendors the federal contractor works with so that employees can obtain all the information and clarification they need.
Avoid Using Jargon
Employees often do not fully understand the benefits available to them because of complicated human resources jargon in a federal contractor’s benefits messaging.
Human resources departments should take the time to ensure they are conveying their benefits messaging in an easy-to-follow format using relatable language. Providing a glossary defining some of the more complicated terms that cannot be avoided may be helpful.
Enlighten the Management Team
Managers should be trained on the benefits a federal contractor offers and how they fit into the employee’s overall compensation.
Every management team member should feel confident discussing benefits with employees and know how to direct them to appropriate resources for the benefits-related issues that may affect them, whether they need wellness benefits, legal advice, paid time off, or bereavement support.
Work With Employee Benefits Brokers
Benefits and open enrollment are complicated matters that require timely and careful communication. The knowledgeable benefits consultants at Business Benefits Group (BBG) can help federal contractors determine the best way to communicate the features of their benefits program to employees and enhance its image among the workforce.
To learn more about how our benefits communication services can help you maintain trust and engagement with your employees, schedule a consultation today.