5 signs your benefits package needs a refresh

1. You have a diverse workforce, but your benefits offering is one-size-fits-all.

The days of relying solely on a medical plan are over. Today’s companies have diverse workforces, and they need diverse benefits offerings. Emily Munroe noted, “You can’t have just a [carrier] and say, everyone has healthcare. That’s not the case anymore or never was.” Take a close look at your benefits package and assess whether it caters to the specific needs of your employees. Consider adding point solutions that address gaps often found in traditional healthcare plans. Whether that’s tailored support for family planning, cancer care management, wellness—there are hundreds of point solutions available that provide targeted services for a specific population. 

Not sure where to look for new point solutions? Request a call-back, we can design a tailored health benefits that allow leaders, brokers, and consultants to evaluate and compare a broad range of health insurance solutions. 

2. You’re not collecting (or addressing) employee feedback. 

Actively listening to your employees, whether by sending out surveys or hosting in-person meetings to gather feedback, is crucial to understanding their needs and expectations. Use this valuable input to refresh your benefits package and ensure it aligns with employee preferences to boost engagement and satisfaction.

Alejandro Hernandez explained, “I am lucky enough that I get to talk to most of our employees on a personal basis and we don’t have a lot of remote employees, which makes it even easier for me. And besides sending surveys, besides sending emails, doing meetings and things like that… I actually make a change based on their issues.” He added that a good proportion of Driscoll’s workforce is Spanish-speaking, so ensuring materials are available in multiple languages is critical. Some of their workforce is out in the field and some are in office, so it’s important to communicate about their benefits and ask for feedback through a multitude of channels, whether by direct mail, text message, signage, or in-person meetings.

3. You’re not making data-driven decisions. 

If you’re making benefits decisions based on a gut feeling rather than hard data, it’s time to prioritize data analysis. Annual strategy meetings with your broker or consultant are a great opportunity to understand what clinical categories your population’s top claims fall into. These aggregate numbers, whether they’re related to pharmacy spend or chronic conditions, for example, can help determine what kind of point solutions to focus on. Laurie recalled how their data showed that employees weren’t going to the doctor, so they instituted a health incentive to encourage that behavior.

4. You only offer an employee assistance program (EAP) for behavioral health support. 

All of the panelists expressed their commitment to providing robust behavioral health support to their employees, especially in light of the heightened need during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Emily was candid about the limitations of traditional EAP programs in addressing behavioral health. She stated, “You can’t just rely on your EAP… You need something else because the wait time to get a therapist or to start on your regular health plan… It’s too long.” 

Laurie also noted the extended wait times for therapy and highlighted the importance of offering immediate digital solutions like telehealth and text-based services.

5. You don’t have an easy way to integrate new partners. 

When choosing a point solution for your benefits package, it’s important to consider how easy it is to implement and integrate with your existing systems. Keep an eye out for solutions that not only address your employees’ needs but also fit seamlessly into your existing benefits infrastructure.

If your current benefits infrastructure doesn’t provide an easy way to integrate partners, it may be time to look for one that does. Integrated health benefits platforms like YOUNA INTERNATIONAL HEALTH SOLUTIONS can work with 100+ program partners across numerous clinical categories. Want to see YOUNA INTERNATIONAL HEALTH SOLUTIONS in action? Take a product tour.

Based on these signs, are you due for a refresh? Regularly assessing and refreshing your benefits package is key to meeting the evolving needs and expectations of your workforce. With an updated and relevant benefits offering, you can boost employee satisfaction, attract top talent, and create a workplace culture that prioritizes well-being. You’ve got this!

To find the best self-insurance coverage plan for your organization, contact us now!