by Jim Taylor | Feb 14, 2024 | Employee Benefits, Employee Recruitment, Employee Retention, Human Resources
Staying on top of employee benefits trends helps employers and HR leaders adapt to current labor challenges. The quest to attract and keep talented employees has been an ongoing challenge for employers, especially since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the labor market 2024 is expected to cool slightly, the competition for skilled workers will remain fierce.
To stay competitive, employers must stay nimble and adapt to emerging labor and market trends. Understanding this year’s key employee benefit trends is crucial for retaining and attracting top talent in an evolving job market.
At Launchways, we know how important employee benefits are to attracting and retaining top talent. Here are some of the top trends:
Managing Healthcare Costs
Healthcare costs continue to rise. This can be attributed to factors like inflation, provider shortages, and the lingering effects of the pandemic. In fact, employers expect healthcare expenses to surge by 6% to 8.5% in 2024.
This poses significant challenges in maintaining affordable benefits for employees.
Many employers are implementing a variety of cost-saving measures to mitigate these expenses. These include implementing strategies like the following:
- Altering health plan designs
- Expanding virtual health opportunities
- Offering voluntary benefits
- Optimizing pharmacy management strategies
- Promoting preventive care services
- Revisiting cost-sharing arrangements
- Using healthcare analytics to streamline workflows
Preventive Care Services
High inflation and rising medical expenses cause many employees to avoid seeking medical attention. They fail to take steps for necessary preventative care in an attempt to avoid recurring and crippling medical bills. Unfortunately, this can worsen long-term health outcomes, resulting in increased costs to both employers and employees.
Despite concerns about rising healthcare costs, employers recognize the value of preventive care in maintaining employee health and reducing long-term expenses. Educating employees about the benefits of routine care is essential for promoting overall well-being.
Employers are emphasizing preventive care services and benefits education to encourage employees to prioritize their health, maximize benefits, and reduce healthcare costs in the long run.
Increased Flexibility and Personalization
In 2023, numerous employers struggled with finding the optimal benefits plan. Today’s diverse workforce spans multiple generations and backgrounds. Hence, employers are increasingly challenged to provide benefits that cater to everyone’s needs.
In 2024, personalized and flexible benefits options are gaining traction to accommodate individual preferences.
Popular benefit customization options could include the following:
- Flexible work arrangements with convertible paid time off
- Comprehensive medical coverage with extended leave
- Diverse wellness programs
- Flexible spending accounts
- Customized retirement plans
- Domestic partner benefits
Personalized learning opportunities are also becoming more popular benefit options.
Balancing Worker Flexibility with Employer Return-to-Office Mandates
In recent years, employers have offered remote and flexible work options to attract talent in a tight labor market. Many have reversed their position by issuing mandates to bring their employees back to the office.
As organizations transition back to the office, balancing flexibility with in-person requirements is crucial. Employers risk losing talent and hindering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts if they fail to accommodate employees’ preferences for remote or hybrid work arrangements.
Therefore, some employers are adopting hybrid work models. This enables them to prioritize employee well-being while offering incentives such as commuter benefits, childcare assistance, and catered meals to encourage in-person attendance.
Making Employee Mental Health a Priority
Mental health issues among employees are a growing concern. Factors like stress, financial worries, and pandemic-related disruptions can exacerbate it. In turn, employee mental health issues can significantly impact productivity in a company. In fact, addressing mental health in the workplace is crucial for maintaining productivity, retention, and morale.
Savvy employers will continue prioritizing employee mental health through varied methods that could include the following:
- Anti-stigma campaigns
- Expanded assistance programs
- Manager training for recognizing employees’ behavioral issues
- Meditation resources
- Resilience and coping programs
- Focused treatment options and expanded service offerings
- Virtual therapy sessions
Build an Inclusive Work Culture
Although employers are investing more efforts in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, employees in marginalized groups continue to feel disconnected. That can lead to an inhibition of creativity and willingness to collaborate. It also increases the chance of worker burnout, which further leads to an increase in the rates of turnover and absenteeism. Addressing feelings of belongingness is essential for fostering a positive work environment and reducing turnover.
Many employers are focusing on building an inclusive workplace culture to bridge the gap between DEI initiatives and the reality experienced by employees. They focus on aspects such as leadership behaviors, building social bonds, and open communication. Involving employees in decision-making, creating fair compensation practices, and transparent promotion processes go a long way toward fostering a culture of belonging.
Expanded Family Building and Reproductive Health Benefits
After the 2023 US Supreme decision regarding abortion rights, reproductive health care benefits became a critical issue for many employers. Therefore, reproductive health benefits and family-building assistance have gained popularity.
Employers recognize their importance in supporting employees’ personal and family needs. These benefits enhance employee satisfaction and contribute to a more inclusive workplace culture.
Some of the expanded benefit offerings include:
- Paid parental leave
- Childcare subsidies
- Flexible scheduling
- Surrogacy benefits
- Family planning assistance
- High-risk pregnancy care
- Lactation support
- Reproductive healthcare coverage
Key Takeaway
Understanding and adapting to these employee benefits trends are vital for employers aiming to attract and retain top talent in today’s competitive labor market. Employers can create a healthier, happier, and more productive workforce by offering relevant and flexible benefits packages, ultimately contributing to organizational success. For more resources on optimizing employee benefits, contact Launchways today.
by Jim Taylor | Nov 28, 2023 | Employee Benefits, Employee Recruitment, Mental Health in the Workplace
The world of employee benefits is transforming significantly due to changing work dynamics and post-pandemic employee needs. There’s no question that COVID-19 reshaped the way we work. In addition to changing what day-to-day work life looks like, the pandemic shone a spotlight on adaptable benefits, particularly ‘Time Off.’ This could be good news.
Although many companies embrace the changes that occurred then, such as remote work and flexible schedules, others pine for a return to “normalcy.” Some are adopting a middle-ground “hybrid” approach as a sort of compromise.
As businesses navigate the changing tides, understanding the importance of time off is crucial. It goes a long way toward ensuring employee well-being, productivity, and satisfaction.
Here at Launchways, we take a closer look at this fascinating trend.
Changing Priorities in Employee Benefit Trends
The pandemic reshaped the understanding of traditional employee benefits, highlighting the emergence of ‘Time Off’ as a critical aspect. In a landscape fluctuating between remote, hybrid, and office setups, recognizing the value of time away from work has become essential.
It’s more than just vacations; it’s about meeting the evolving needs of a workforce seeking flexibility, mental health support, and work-life balance.
Addressing Post-Pandemic Employee Needs
Employees’ needs have transformed post-pandemic, with mental health concerns rising sharply alongside the demand for flexible work arrangements. These concerns significantly affect workforce productivity, with an estimated global loss of 12 billion workdays annually to depression and anxiety, costing about $1 trillion.
Both companies and workers look for answers. Unfortunately, many are unaware of their options, and many more need help navigating them.
Simplifying Time-Off Laws and Regulations
Navigating paid leave laws like Paid Family Leave (PFL) alongside existing ones such as the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) has become more complex. Changes in state regulations, like those in Oregon and Colorado, add confusion.
Managing Family and Medical Leave (FML) can be tricky, requiring a knowledgeable HR team to ensure compliance and guide employees through the process.
Prioritizing Employee Understanding and Accessibility
Educating employees about their rights under FMLA is crucial. When employees know how to request leave and what documents are required, they’re more likely to seek help when needed. Ensuring job security upon return and providing a simple process to request FMLA, integrated with other benefits, is essential for consistency and ease.
Offering ‘Time Off’ as a Premier Benefit
‘Time Off’ has expanded its role in employee benefits, directly impacting employee satisfaction, retention, and overall well-being. To ensure more accessible access to FML (Family and Medical Leave), simplifying the request process by integrating it with other employee benefits, like 401K, payroll deductions, and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), proves effective. A unified platform or system that merges FML with these benefits streamlines accessibility.
Employing standardized software prevents inconsistencies, which is vital for large employers managing different regional accesses, promoting uniformity in FML availability. This approach eliminates barriers and enhances access to crucial leave benefits.
Offering ample vacation time isn’t just a perk; it’s an investment in workforce health and productivity. But how can your company effectively manage employee time off in these complex times?
Strategies for Effective Time-Off Management
Adapting HR strategies is vital to meet evolving workforce preferences. Customizable leave policies, automation, and technology-driven solutions streamline leave management, optimizing workforce productivity.
HR’s Responsibility in Effective Policy Implementation
HR leaders are crucial in aligning policies with employee needs and business goals. Educating employees, ensuring compliance, and fostering an equitable work environment are essential components.
Prioritizing ‘Time Off’ for a Thriving Workforce
Ample leave reduces burnout, enhances mental health, and boosts employee satisfaction, positively impacting organizational performance.
Challenges and Solutions in Embracing ‘Time Off’
Managing time off amid changing laws requires clear guidelines and simplified processes, ensuring employees understand their rights.
Key Takeaways
‘Time Off’ has evolved into a cornerstone of modern employee benefits. Recognizing its impact on well-being, productivity, and organizational success is crucial. Businesses must embrace and prioritize this evolving benefit to cultivate a resilient workforce in the post-pandemic era.
- Prioritize understanding employee needs for flexibility and mental health support.
- Educate employees about FMLA rights for easy access to support when needed.
- Integrate FMLA request processes with other benefits for consistency and simplicity.
- Recognize the strategic value of ‘Time Off’ in fostering a healthier, more productive workforce.
As time passes, it becomes increasingly evident that change is here to stay. The “new normal” requires a degree of flexibility. We at Launchways intend to remain up-to-date and will ensure our clients remain informed.
by Jim Taylor | Oct 18, 2023 | Employee Recruitment, Employee Retention, Future of Work
In the wake of the pandemic, flexible work schedules have become a more common employee recruitment option. Many companies, a significant 88% of employers, now offer different remote work options. These options include the following:
- 50% of surveyed employers offer fully remote work
- 75% of surveyed employers offer flexible schedules with remote options on specific days
- 24% of surveyed employers offer compressed work weeks
This option allows employees to complete a standard 40-hour workweek in fewer than five days. This shift in how we work has profound implications for the modern workplace.
In the fast-evolving business world, companies continually search for innovative recruitment strategies. One such employee strategy that has gained increasing attention is the adoption of a four-day workweek. This work schedule is designed to provide employees with more flexibility and an improved work-life balance.
Introduction to the Four-Day Work Week Trend
The International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans recently conducted a survey of employers. Its goal was to examine the four-day workweek. For this purpose, the work schedule was defined as a reduction in weekly work hours from 40 to 32 hours.
The survey reveals that 5% of employers already offer a four-day workweek. For some, it is their official policy. Others do it on a case-by-case basis. An additional 14% of employers are contemplating implementing it, and 1% are in the process of piloting such a schedule. This showcases the growing interest in the approach.
Of employers offering a four-day or 32-hour workweek, the breakdown is as follows:
- 41% due to employee requests
- 36% as a retention strategy
- 36% for work-life balance and company culture
- 25% as a recruitment tool
Some employers apply the approach company-wide. Others restrict it to specific job roles, certain employees, or designated locations.
What Are the Benefits?
For the employers who offer their employees a 4-day workweek, they cited the following as benefits they experience. For those who are considering it, these are their desired outcomes of doing so.
Improved Work-Life Balance
A significant advantage of the four-day workweek is the potential for a better work-life balance. With a shorter workweek, employees can enjoy more leisure time. This can lead to increased job satisfaction and reduced burnout.
Increased Productivity
Surprisingly, a compressed workweek often leads to heightened productivity. When employees have fewer days in the office, they tend to focus more on essential tasks, reducing time-wasting activities. This can result in a more efficient use of work hours and, ultimately, a more productive workforce.
Attraction of Top Talent
The adoption of a four-day workweek can be a powerful employee recruitment tool. In a competitive job market, potential candidates are drawn to employers who offer unique and flexible benefits. Businesses offering this work arrangement are likely to stand out and attract top talent who value work-life balance.
Employee Retention
Once a company has recruited top talent, it’s essential to keep them. The four-day workweek can serve as a retention strategy. It ensures that employees are content with their work-life balance. Satisfied employees are more likely to stay with their current employer. This results in a reduced turnover and associated recruitment costs.
What Are the Potential Drawbacks?
Convincing decision-makers about the benefits can be a significant challenge. In fact, many employers, about 80%, are unconvinced. This can make implementing a four-day workweek difficult.
One of the primary concerns associated with a four-day workweek is the potential impact on business operations. Some companies worry that a reduced workweek may hinder their ability to meet customer demands.
The reasons employers choose not to offer a 4-day workweek break down thusly:
- 42% due to upper management disinterest
- 38% worry about widespread implementation challenges
- 36% due to potential negative impact on business operations
- 32% worry about the inability to support their customer base
Administrative burdens and potential costs also contribute to their hesitation.
What Is the Takeaway?
As they navigate the post-pandemic work landscape, businesses experiment with flexible work weeks. Plus, while some have already adopted a four-day work week, others are considering the shift.
Some choose to adopt a 4-day workweek as part of their employee recruitment strategy. To successfully do so, companies should consider their employees’ preferences, as well as the potential impact on the business operations. The four-day workweek may not be suitable for all organizations. However, it has the potential to revolutionize the way we view work and employment.
In conclusion, this is a promising recruitment strategy that can provide businesses with a competitive edge in the job market. Companies can use this innovative work arrangement to attract, retain, and nurture top talent. In the ever-changing landscape of recruitment and employment, the four-day workweek offers an exciting path forward.
