Employees lack benefits information for well-informed decisions, studies find

Even though employee benefits have been a point of emphasis for employers in a tight labor market, a new survey has found that many employees lack enough information for well-informed decisions. Two studies by companies involved in the benefits field point to a need for more education and support.

A survey of 800 full-time workers by LegalShield found that nearly half of the workers surveyed, 47%, said they felt unprepared to make informed decisions during their company’s open enrollment period. The report presented with the survey data suggested that employers could do a better job of informing employees about their options, and that the process should be an ongoing on.

“The norm in today’s world is to be constantly connected and have access to information. Employers must communicate employee benefits in a relevant and timely manner to keep their workforce informed and help them make decisions that align with their needs,” said Emily B. Rose, LegalShield’s SVP of broker and partnership sales. “Regular benefit communication ensures employees are aware of their options.”