Convincing an employee to make a decision that helps their employer win is much easier when the employee wins, too. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Even a great benefits plan won't serve your business to its full potential if your employees aren't using the tools provided to them. Employers have a wealth of opportunities to improve their business and their employees' experience if they adopt an innovative plan, but the efficacy of these tools rely on employee engagement. Incentivizing your employees to be active participants in their benefits plan maximizes their experience as patients while helping the business save money and grow.

Here's how you can engage your employees to make educated and effective decisions within their plan.

Pass on the savings

Convincing an employee to make a decision that helps their employer win is much easier when the employee wins, too. A study by Blue Cross Blue Shield found that knee surgeries in the United States cost an average of $31,124. However, cost variations are so extreme that the same surgery could cost significantly less (or more) depending on the region. By offering your employee a $3,500 bonus for driving sixty miles to a location that charges $15,000 for the same surgery while offering the same quality care, you could potentially save over $12,500.