Unum research finds the right combination of tools and timing key to
success
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
New research from Unum (NYSE: UNM) offers some clear evidence that
enough time and the right tools are the key ingredients to an effective
benefits education plan.
“Unum’s research has consistently found that the key to an effective
benefits education is a three-plus-three communication strategy,” said
Bill Dalicandro, vice president at Unum. “Allowing at least three weeks
to review at least three types of education methods adds up to better
benefits education.”
The findings come at a time when industry research reveals that
employers are recognizing the benefits education they provide their
employees is insufficient.
The third annual study of more than 1,700 employed adults by Harris
Interactive, conducted online in December 2010 following the benefits
enrollment period, finds that an effective benefits education will help
employees make informed choices.
To better meet the various learning styles among employees, the results
indicate offering at least three methods of communication is a critical
part of the benefits education process. According to the study, 91
percent of employees that were asked to review benefits within the past
year had accessed information made available to them. Printed materials,
personalized statements and employer-sponsored Intranet or website were
among the most likely to be utilized when offered:
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68 percent of employees who had access to personal statements utilized
them to get information about their benefits.
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68 percent of employees accessed information on their employer’s
Intranet or other website sponsored by employer when it was offered.
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68 percent of employees used printed information or brochures to learn
more about their benefits when given the opportunity.
Other popular forms of education methods used by employees include email
communications from employers, group and one-on-one meetings where
benefits are presented and employees can ask questions, and online
interactive tools.
Unfortunately, the study also reveals that employee access to printed
materials and personal contact methods, such as group meetings to
discuss benefits, remained significantly lower than 2008 levels.
“Equally important as offering employees sufficient benefits education
tools is giving them three weeks or more to review their benefits
choices and information before making a decision,” Dalicandro said.
The research shows that 97 percent of employees who had three-plus weeks
to review their benefits education materials said it was enough time—but
just 50 percent of respondents were given that much time.
Those who had three or more weeks to enroll were more likely to rate
their benefits and their benefits education as excellent or very good,
compared to those with less than three weeks to enroll.
Even if employers don’t offer a particularly good benefits package, it
pays off when they build an effective benefits education strategy, the
research shows:
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85 percent of employees with an excellent/very good benefits education
rated their benefits package as excellent or very good.
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And 80 percent of employees who rated their benefits education highly
also rated the employer as an excellent/very good place to work.
“When employees have adequate time and the right tools to understand and
choose their benefits, the payoff is powerful,” Dalicandro said. “The
research shows that employees with an effective benefits education have
higher levels of engagement, morale and loyalty.”
About Unum
Unum (www.unum.com)
is one of the leading providers of employee benefits products and
services in the United States and the United Kingdom. Through its
subsidiaries, Unum Group paid approximately $6 billion in total benefits
to customers in 2010.
Harris Interactive Survey Methodology
The 2010 survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris
Interactive on behalf of Unum from December 6-8, among 1,712 adults ages
18 and older who are employed full- or part-time. The 2008 survey was
conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on
behalf of Unum from December 9-11, 2008, among 1,122 workers 18 and
older. For more information regarding the study, please contact Brian
Baker at (423) 294-7839.
About Harris Interactive
Harris
Interactive is one of the world’s leading custom market research
firms, leveraging research, technology, and business acumen to transform
relevant insight into actionable foresight. Serving clients in over 215
countries and territories through our North American, European, and
Asian offices and a network of independent market research firms, Harris
specializes in delivering research solutions that help us – and our
clients – stay ahead of what’s next. For more information, please visit www.harrisinteractive.com.
Unum
Brian Baker, 423-294-7839
bbaker4@unum.com
Source: Unum