Are Workplace Benefits Doing Their Job?

Most Americans need more direction to maximize their options

Image courtesy sburke2478

New York, October 14, 2014 – Seventy-four percent of middle-income employees derive the majority of their financial security from the benefits they receive at the workplace, according to the 2014 Guardian Workplace Benefits StudySM. Despite the importance of benefits, only one in four employees finds their company’s communications helpful in choosing what’s right for them. See the Guardian info-graphic from the workplace benefits study

A new infographic developed by The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian), one of the nation’s largest mutual life insurers and a leading provider of employee benefits, highlights the disconnect between employees’ reliance on workplace benefits and the effectiveness of employers’ benefit communications.

Benefits landscape is changing

“As Americans get ready to sign up for their workplace benefit coverage this open enrollment season, it’s important to recognize how benefits contribute to the overall financial well-being of most workers. At the same time, the benefits landscape is changing with employers shifting more costs to employees, so employees must fully understand their choices and needs – especially when voluntary or less traditional benefits are offered, such as critical illness or accident insurance,” said Phyllis Falotico, Head of Group Marketing at Guardian. “Workplace benefits are essential to most Americans’ financial security and employers have a responsibility to improve their employee communications and participation programs to ensure their workforce is adequately covered.”

Excerpt:

Rethinking responsibility:

As the benefits landscape continues to shift, employees and employers need to rethink how they approach workplace benefits. Employees need to better understand what they’re getting, while employers need to improve employee communication and participation. The 2014 Guardian Workplace Benefits Study can provide insights and strategies for employers looking to maintain a secure, productive workforce. Guardian’s infographic reveals that four out of five employees say that benefits are the deciding factor in taking a new job or staying with their current company. Few employees purchase benefits, such as disability insurance, life insurance or retirement accounts, outside of the workplace benefits package. Employees’ reliance on workplace benefits underscores how valued these options are for creating the foundation for a robust financial plan. To view the complete Guardian Workplace Benefits StudySM and to learn more tips on running a successful workplace benefits enrollment program, including educational employee videos, please visit Guardian Anytime.

About Guardian

A mutual insurer founded in 1860, The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (Guardian) and its subsidiaries are committed to protecting individuals, business owners and their employees with life, disability income and dental insurance products, and offer funding vehicles for 401(k) plans, annuities and other financial products. Guardian operates one of the largest dental networks in the United States, and protects more than eight million employees and their families at 115,000 companies. The company has approximately 5,000 employees in the United States and a network of over 3,200 financial representatives in more than 80 agencies nationwide. For more information about Guardian, please visit www.GuardianLife.com.