As you lookto your organization's benefits packages and consider changes, thefirst step is understanding what employees are taking advantageof.

Over the course of the pandemic, companies have looked at theirbenefit offerings to see how employees can best utilize them. Now, as they look to the future, employers are considering what changesto make with this adjusted work environment, with many companiesworking remotely through 2020 and some into 2021. In fact,according to a recent study by LIMRA, a quarter of employers planto adjust benefits packages because of COVID-19 within the next 18months.

Related: How COVID-19 may significantly impact employers'benefits plans

As you look to your organization's benefits packages andconsider changes, the first step is understanding what employeesare taking advantage of. The best way to do this is to survey staffto identify which benefits they have found most useful. Data willhelp you make better, educated estimates as to what employees willutilize in the months ahead. The other key step to initiatenow is to talk to your benefits broker andask what adjustments companies similar in sizeand industry are making and ask them for their suggestionsconsidering your workforce.

Before making changes, evaluate your current benefits and perks,and determine what can be utilized virtually. If your workforcewill be remote for the foreseeable future, your benefits should beadjusted to cater to that. For instance, gym reimbursements are notideal as fitness centers remain closed, and instead, you can usethat dollar amount towards another, more practical benefit.

Some of the most popular benefits taken advantage of over thelast several months, and those that will continue to be popular inthe months ahead, include:

Mental health: Employee Assistance Programs(EAP) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) have become extremelyhelpful to employees across the country when working from homegiven the accessibility and helpfulness. Working from homeand increased social isolation can be difficult and lonely foremployees.

Offering an EAP is a great way for employees to get thehelp they need from home, connecting with counselors andprofessionals. EAPs have been especially important for people whoare suffering from financial hardship, as you're able to connectwith financial experts. FSA is a tax-free resource to helpemployees pay for assistance like virtual therapy co-pays,medications, or other health-related costs.

Wellness programs: Wellness programs have alsosurged in popularity to assist with physical and mental health andwellbeing, like virtual smoking cessationprograms, virtual diabetes management programs, virtual weight lossprograms, preventative health screenings, and mindfulnessprograms. Programs like these will help employees better cope withthe anxieties and stress built up during this chaotic time.

Digital mental health apps like Calm and Headspace are becomingincreasingly popular amongst employees while working fromhome. Meditation is an extremely beneficial practice to reduceanxieties and help employees get through these stressful times.Consider a corporate membership if there's a cost associated orsubsidizing the cost.

Time off: Employees are working in overdrive,and with shelter-in-place orders, employees haven't taken time off.This mounting stress can be detrimental to employees and lead toburnout. While your organization may have had certain PTO policiesin place, consider revising them in the months and year ahead sonot all days are missed. Employees need the mental days to stepaway and recharge.

While no one can predict what 2021 holds, employees are relyingon their companies to have their best interest in mind when itcomes to protecting their health and well-being. Making the mostinformed decision on future benefits starts with looking to yourcurrent offerings and asking employees what is important tothem. Offering the right benefits for your company can be thedifference for employees during challenging times.

Bill Gimbel is founder & CEOof LaSalleBenefits a national insurance and employee benefits brokerage firm.Gimbel has been in the benefits industry for over two decades,working with hundreds of business leaders and hiring managers onbenefits.