Electronic enrollment solutions for an evolving benefits landscape

Employee benefit options in the United States have evolved rapidly in recent years to accommodate for a shift in employee wellbeing and financial needs. More employees are opting for mental well-being, caregiving, identity protection and other non-traditional benefit offerings. But one factor that slows participation in today's dynamic employee benefit realm is employees' understanding of their benefit options.

Lack of understanding = lack of participation

According to the 2024 BEAT Study: Benefits and Employee Attitude Tracker by LIMRA, as few as 15% of employees understand some supplemental benefit offerings. And of course, lack of understanding contributes to lack of participation. Employers have an opportunity to increase employee benefit comprehension – and participation – by effectively communicating benefit options and partnering with an electronic enrollment platform.

Why is participation so important? There are many reasons – but you may not be aware of this significant one. Research shows that employee loyalty increases when workers are satisfied with the availability of workplace benefits and their understanding of those options. In 2024, 41% of workers polled reported they were "much more inclined" to stay with their current employer due to their benefits package.¹

How the right enrollment platform can help

When employers partner with an effective benefits administration platform, the overall benefits experience can be drastically improved for employees and employers alike. By communicating available benefit options, presenting benefit information in an easily digestible context, and simplifying enrollments, the right enrollment platform will provide a seamless path for employees to fully engage with their benefits.

Here are some key advantages of modern enrollment technology:

Simplified enrollments

Online enrollment platforms make it easy for employees and employers. No forms to fill out, collect and organize, no benefit booklets to distribute and no printing and shipping costs to budget. Everything is presented, entered, collected, and organized in one convenient portal. Employees can access online platforms from anywhere, and benefits staff can take advantage of robust reporting capabilities to help them improve future open enrollments.

Amplified communication and education

Today's enrollment platforms can enable and support robust employee education and communication plans. Built-in product education modules can support a variety of materials, such as flyers, brochures, videos and more. This includes multiple tools like print or digital postcards, email blasts, videos, mobile apps, online portals, webinars and text campaigns. These valuable resources can educate employees about their benefits and increase engagement. 50% of employees polled said they prefer to receive benefit communications a few times throughout the year, rather than only at enrollment time.¹

Confidence and empowerment

Access and education are empowering. When it's time to enroll, employees are free to access their options and enroll on their own time. When employees have the freedom of time to elect their coverages, they'll most likely be happier with their selections.

Interestingly, research also shows that participation can lead to an increased sense of confidence among employees. Employees who chose to enroll in at least one benefit during their most recent enrollment period expressed more confidence than those who had the opportunity but did not enroll in any benefits. This suggests that some workers who opt out of benefits may feel insecure in their decisions and might reconsider in the future.¹

Enrollment solutions from Allstate Benefits

Allstate Benefits works with the industry's leading enrollment solutions with the flexibility to meet every employer's challenges. Based on their size and existing technology, employers can select the enrollment platform that's best for them. Whatever the choice, our dedicated team ensures smooth end-to-end enrollment.

Contact an Allstate Benefits representative to learn more about platforms that are available for any business.

Related Articles:

The secret to helping employees understand their benefits

Five tips to help improve employee benefit engagement

Employer Tips to Simplify Enrollment for Employees