Why next-gen flexible benefits are key to a better employee experience
That at least is what is shaping benefits strategy for nearly three quarters (71%) of employers in 2019, according to research by Employee Benefits.
At the same time, however, employers recognise that delivering on that strategic goal is becoming harder as our workforces become more diverse.
Great expectations
According to Aon’s benefits and trends survey 2019, just 50% of employers say their benefits offering meets the needs of all generations in their workforce. Unsurprisingly, nine in ten of employers say they need to change their package going forwards.
As employers contemplate those changes, it’s not just the ever-widening set of expectations of our diverse workforces which will prove challenging.
HR teams are also being asked to provide support for financial and physical wellbeing out of a budget pot which isn’t getting any bigger in the vast majority of organisations.
Choice counts
As it becomes abundantly clear that a one-size-fits-all benefits package will no longer cut it for the employer or the employee, it’s surprising that only 42% of organisations offer any sort of choice in the benefits they offer – particularly as I would imagine some of this comes in the form of voluntary benefits.
I expect this figure to change as employers become more familiar with a new generation of flexible benefits platforms.
That’s not just because next-gen flex delivers the choice employees want and takes away the heavy lifting behind scheme administration. They also allow employees to change the benefits they receive in real-time and enhance the employee experience, reflecting the expectations of technology they bring into the workplace.
Flex on the rise
At a time when many employers admit that they struggle to identify the benefits which are most valued by employees, next gen flex platforms provide the insight organisations need to better manage the costs and take-up of their schemes.
So if you are in that cohort of businesses wondering how you can improve your benefits proposition without loading up on cost, it is time to think about flex as a smart way of improving the performance both of your benefits scheme and of the results it delivers for your organisation.
To learn more about how next generation flexible benefits will work harder for you, your business and your people, download our eBook here.
The author is Andy Philpott, marketing and sales director at Edenred.
This article is provided by Edenred.
In partnership with edenred.uk.com
We help you build stronger connections with your employees to drive higher engagement&performance.