As you look to your company’s benefits packages and consider changes, the first step is understanding what employees are taking advantage of. The best way to do this is to survey staff to identify which benefits they have found most useful. Data will help you make better, educated estimates as to what employees will utilize in the months ahead.
Some of the most popular benefits taken advantage of over the last several months, and those what will continue to be popular in the months ahead include:
Mental health: Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) have become extremely helpful to employees across the country when working from home given the accessibility and helpfulness. Working from home and increased social isolation can be difficult and lonely for employees.
Wellness programs: Wellness programs have also surged in popularity to assist with physical and mental health and well-being. Like virtual smoking cessation programs, virtual diabetes management programs, virtual weight loss programs, preventive health screenings, and mindfulness programs. Programs like these will help employees better cope with the anxieties and stress built up during this chaotic time.
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 to burnout. While your company may have certain PTO policies in place, consider revsing them in the months and year ahead so not all days are missed. Employees need the mental days to step away and recharge.
While no one can predict what 2021 holds, employees are relying on their companies to have their best interest in mind when it comes to protecting their health and well-being. Making the most informed decision on future benefits starts with looking to your current offerings and asking employees what is most important to them. Offering the right benefits for your company can be the difference for employees during challenging times.