An online survey of more than 1,000 working adults found fewer employees said they had received effective education about their employee benefits last year compared to 2008.

The survey conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of Unum showed in 2008, 39 percent of workers gave their benefits education positive ratings. In 2009, that number dropped to 29 percent.

"The past year brought a lot of upheaval for businesses, and efforts to help employees understand their benefits apparently suffered as companies worked day-to-day to navigate unpredictable economic conditions," said Bill Dalicandro, vice president for enrollment with Unum. "But as the benefits landscape is shifting, it is more important than ever to give employees the right tools to understand their benefits choices and to communicate what's available to them."