Maximizing the Impact of Your Employee Benefits Program

Recognizing National Employee Benefits Day – April 2, 2025

Each year, National Employee Benefits Day provides a timely reminder for HR professionals to take a step back, evaluate their organization’s benefits offerings, and explore new ways to meet the evolving needs of their workforce. Established by the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP), this day honors the work of HR and benefits professionals who build and administer quality benefits programs.

As expectations around work-life balance, wellness, and compensation shift, so too must the strategies HR teams use to deliver value through benefits. But offering competitive benefits is only half the equation. The other half lies in how clearly and effectively those benefits are communicated; a challenge where Total Rewards Communication plays a vital role.

Why This Day Matters

Today's employees expect more than a paycheck. They want holistic support: benefits that cover their health, financial stability, and professional development. Yet, research consistently shows that many employees remain unaware of the full scope of what their employers offer. Without clear, consistent communication, even the most generous benefits program can go underutilized or unnoticed.

That’s why National Employee Benefits Day is not just a celebration; it's an invitation to take action.

Strategies for Enhancing Your Benefits Program

Whether your company offers traditional health plans or more innovative perks like mental health stipends and fertility support, ongoing program evaluation is key. Here’s how HR teams can ensure their benefits are impactful, aligned, and fully understood.

Evaluate Employee Needs Regularly

The most effective benefits programs are those shaped by employee feedback. Annual surveys, stay interviews, and pulse checks can provide insights into which benefits employees value most; and what may be missing.

HR Action Step: Build a feedback loop into your benefits planning cycle to adjust offerings based on real employee needs.

Ensure Benefits Are Equitable and Inclusive

From family-forming support to caregiving leave and mental health access, equity in benefits ensures that all employees, regardless of background or life stage, feel supported.

HR Action Step: Audit your benefits package to ensure inclusive coverage and flexible options that accommodate diverse employee experiences.

READ MORE: Maximizing Health and Wellness Programs in Total Rewards Statements

Introduce Innovative Offerings

Modern benefits now include financial coaching, student loan assistance, and expanded mental health options. These services not only improve well-being but can help differentiate your company in a competitive talent market.

HR Action Step: Explore emerging benefits trends and pilot one or two innovative programs to expand your offerings.

Communicate Through a Total Rewards Lens

A key challenge many HR teams face is making employees aware of what they already have. This is where Total Rewards Communication becomes essential. By clearly outlining the complete value of employment, including base pay, benefits, wellness perks, development programs, and workplace culture, HR teams can reinforce appreciation and drive benefit utilization.

HR Action Step: Use Total Rewards Statements or interactive dashboards to highlight everything employees receive, not just their salary.

READ MORE: What to Include in a Total Rewards Statement

Making the Message Stick: Benefits Communication Best Practices

To fully maximize your investment in employee benefits, communication must be ongoing—not just during open enrollment. Use multiple channels to meet employees where they are, and reinforce the value of your programs year-round.

● Use clear, jargon-free language that explains how each benefit works and why it matters.
● Personalize messaging when possible, tailoring communications by life stage or benefit eligibility.
● Incorporate visuals or real employee testimonials to make content relatable.
● Include benefits highlights in onboarding, one-on-ones, and performance conversations.

A Day to Reflect and Take Action

April 2, 2025, is more than just a date on the calendar; it's an opportunity to recognize the professionals who shape your organization’s benefits strategy and to ensure those efforts are making a real impact. Whether you're revisiting your offerings, introducing new perks, or rethinking your communication strategy, National Employee Benefits Day is the perfect time to put employee needs at the center of your HR efforts.

Need help communicating your Total Rewards more clearly? At backstitch, we specialize in helping HR teams simplify complex benefits information and showcase the full value of employment.

Contact backstitch to learn how we can help enhance your Total Rewards Communication strategy.