Engaged employees are more connected to their work. Not surprisingly, their performance levels are higher, and they miss fewer workdays. Offering a quality benefits program supports employees' wellbeing, promotes happiness and reinforces job satisfaction. Review five ways employers can engage employees through their benefits:

1. Show opinions matter – Employees have opinions, and they like to know their ideas count. But too often employees feel uncomfortable sharing their ideas because they believe management isn't interested. Create a nurturing environment that encourages employees' participation. Create a menu of benefits choices and share them with employees in informal settings. Ask questions about the options:

• Which benefits do you like and value most?
• What would you like to change about your coverage?
• Which plan options would you like to change?
• What new benefits would you want added?
• How would you describe your family and financial commitments?

Listen to employees' ideas and provide feedback, underscoring how you appreciate their suggestions. Work to adopt their ideas and tell them what you're doing.

2. Hit the refresh button – Freshen up benefits communication by sharing information in formats that reach employees in different ways. Be creative and look for ways to capture the attention of employees in different demographic groups by using a mix of communication tools, including social media channels, smartphone apps, YouTube, newsletters, emails and signage.