You’ve done the work. You’ve selected a health plan that fits your budget, supports your workforce, and offers solid coverage. But now you're wondering, “Are your employees actually using their benefits?”
If your team isn’t taking advantage of the resources available to them, you’re not alone. Many employers find themselves in this exact situation. Even with great intentions and thoughtful plan design, benefits often go unused or underused. That’s frustrating for you, and more importantly, it means your employees may not be getting the care they need.
So, why does this happen and what can you do about it?
Start by Understanding the “Why”
There are a few common reasons employees don’t use their health benefits:
- They don’t understand them. Health insurance can be confusing, even for those of us who deal with it regularly. If employees aren’t sure what’s covered or how to use certain services, they’re more likely to avoid them altogether.
- They’re worried about cost. Even when preventive care is covered at no cost, many people assume there’s a catch. Others might not know what’s covered and what’s not until they get a surprise bill. That can make them avoid care in the future.
- They’re overwhelmed. Between work, home, and everything in between, many employees just don’t have the time or mental space to navigate benefits portals, call insurance companies, or figure out the “right” thing to do when they’re not feeling well.
Clear, Simple Communication is Key
Don’t rely on an open enrollment packet to do all the heavy lifting. People need reminders and bite-sized information throughout the year, not just during the few weeks they choose their coverage.
Think about using:
- Short, friendly emails explaining one benefit at a time
- Quick “Did you know?” posts on your company’s internal platforms
- Manager toolkits to help team leads answer basic benefits questions
- Real-life examples of how coworkers have used their benefits
The more you normalize using health benefits and show how simple it can be, the more likely your team is to jump in.
Reintroduce Preventive Care
Many people don’t realize that most health plans cover many preventive services like annual checkups, vaccines, and screenings at no cost. These appointments are key to catching problems early and keeping your team healthy and productive.
Encourage employees to schedule their yearly physicals or take advantage of wellness perks like smoking cessation programs or mental health resources. Even a quick reminder during staff meetings can go a long way.
Get Feedback from Your Team
If your employees aren't using their benefits, ask them why. A short, anonymous survey can help you uncover what's getting in the way. You may find that people are unsure how to access services, feel their options are too limited, or don’t see value in the plan offerings.
Understanding these pain points can help you make better decisions the next time you review your plan or tailor communication to address specific concerns now.
Partner with a Broker or Benefits Partner Who Gets It
A good broker or benefits partner won’t just help you find a plan. They’ll help you make sure it works. That includes education, year-round support, and helping you respond to employee needs as they come up. If you're not getting that level of service now, it might be time to revisit the relationship.
When employees don’t use their benefits, no one wins. But with the right communication, support, and a little curiosity about what’s getting in the way, you can change that. Better usage doesn’t just help your team stay healthy. It boosts morale, reduces absenteeism, and helps everyone get the most value out of the benefits you worked hard to provide.
If you’re ready to get started but not sure how, you’re not alone. Start small. Start today. And don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your people are worth it.
