Breaking Down Barriers: Helping Remote Workers Navigate Benefits Selection

As the world of work continues to evolve and remote work becomes more prevalent, it is increasingly important to make sure your employees have access to the resources and information they need to make informed decisions about their employee benefits. However, a recent survey by MetLife found that nearly half of remote workers struggle to understand their benefits, making the selection process a difficult and stressful one. This disparity is causing a significant concern among remote workers, with 55% spending over an hour per week worrying about their benefits and 65% saying they would feel more financially secure with a better understanding of open enrollment.

Benefits play a critical role in attracting and retaining employees, especially for remote workers. Without a physical office or regular face-to-face interaction with coworkers, remote workers may feel isolated and less connected to their company. By offering comprehensive benefits packages and ensuring remote workers have access to the information they need to make informed decisions, employers can help bridge that gap and provide peace of mind for remote workers.

So what can employers do to help their remote workers feel confident and informed when it comes to choosing employee benefits? Here are a few suggestions:

Offer Virtual Information Sessions

One of the most effective ways to help remote workers understand their benefits options is to offer virtual information sessions. During these sessions, benefits experts can clearly outline the different plan options and specific benefits available. To accommodate remote workers with varying schedules, consider offering multiple sessions at different times, or record the original session for those who cannot attend.

Provide One-on-One Support

Remote workers may have questions or concerns about their benefits that are specific to their individual situation. To address these questions and provide additional support, make sure your human resources department is available for one-on-one questions and offer phone or video chat meetings for employees who need additional help. This personalized support can help remote workers feel more confident and informed when it comes to making decisions about their benefits.

Educational Resources

In addition to virtual information sessions and one-on-one support, consider providing educational resources such as informational brochures, videos, and webinars to help remote workers understand their benefits options. These resources can be made available on your company's intranet or benefit platform, allowing remote workers to access them whenever they need to.

Benefit Platforms

Investing in a comprehensive employee benefits platform can also help remote workers feel more confident and informed when it comes to choosing their benefits. These platforms typically offer an easy-to-use interface that allows employees to compare different plan options and view their benefits information in one place. With a user-friendly platform, remote workers can easily access the information they need to make informed decisions about their benefits.

In conclusion, helping remote workers feel confident and informed when it comes to choosing their employee benefits is crucial for attracting and retaining a top-notch workforce. By offering virtual information sessions, providing one-on-one support, educational resources, and investing in a comprehensive benefits platform, employers can ensure that their remote workers have the information they need to make informed decisions and feel more secure in their benefits choices.