Companies invest millions every year in employee benefits and resources, yet many employees struggle to find what they need when they need it. A recent survey from Inclusively, a tech platform aimed at enhancing personalized employee experiences, supports this claims.
The survey, which gathered responses from over 1,000 individuals, reveals a striking disconnect between the substantial investments companies make in benefits and the positive outcomes they aim for. ‘When employees struggle to access the very resources designed to support them, it creates a ripple effect that impacts everything from day-to-day productivity to long-term innovation and retention,’ stated Charlotte Dales, CEO of Inclusively.
Interestingly, while nearly half of respondents reported having easy access to company offerings, most expressed dissatisfaction with the relevance and effectiveness of the information they find.
The time investment required to locate these crucial resources is staggering. Over two-thirds of employees reported spending anywhere from 30 minutes to multiple days attempting to find and access the resources they need. When they hit a wall, nearly half escalate the issue to the HR department, and around 40% seek guidance from their managers, draining time and decreasing productivity.
Norma Frahn, founder of On Demand HR Solutions, acknowledged this ongoing issue: ‘Too often, companies introduce benefits during orientation and then never speak of them again. New hires are already overwhelmed, and they’re not likely to retain all the information.’
The survey unveiled that mental health support, work-life balance resources, and financial benefits emerged as the top categories where employees experience accessibility challenges. This misalignment has costly implications, with 64% of employees indicating they would stay longer in their jobs if their needs were met, clearly linking the accessibility of benefits to employee retention.
Many companies are turning to technology for assistance. Inclusively recently received its first patent for AI chat capabilities designed to enhance workplace support. ‘Simplification is key,’ Dales added. ‘Nearly half of employees bypass technology altogether due to its complexity and contact HR instead. This is not just an inconvenience; it directly affects well-being and retention.’
Technology is only part of the solution, however. Frahn noted, ‘Many internal systems were created by HR professionals, in HR language, which can impede the employee experience.’ Therefore, it’s vital that the resources are centralized within a user-friendly system, with AI support to guide employees effectively. Dales summarized: ‘Instead of waiting until someone feels overwhelmed or frustrated, companies should employ AI solutions to surface resources seamlessly within the workflow.’
As organizations navigate the complexities of employee benefits and technology, it is evident that the keys to success lie in user-friendly, accessible systems paired with innovative technological solutions to foster retention and engagement in the workplace. ‘Benefits should be a tool to attract and retain talent, not a frustrating puzzle for employees to solve,’ concluded Frahn.
