3 Tips to Improve Acceptance of Employee Benefits Changes
Modifying Employee Benefits & Minimizing Resistance
Making employee benefits changes and package modifications are sometimes not easily understood by staff. In some cases, making changes to employee benefits do not receive the widespread acceptance that an employer might hope for.
There are numerous ways employers can explain employee benefits changes. The objective is to provide a better understanding of necessary modifications to employee benefits while minimizing resistance that could derail the entire procedure.
In this post, our employee benefits brokers offer 3 Tips on how to better communicate employee benefits changes.
Tip 1: Lead by Example When Implementing Employee Benefits Changes
Informal and formal leaders, as well as those who have the ability to influence decision-making processes, need to support the employee benefits changes completely.
Any attempt to present adapted or modified versions of employee benefits without sincerity and honesty on behalf of people in these leading positions may appear hollow. Contemplate having the CEO explain proposed changes in a clear and sincere message to employees.
Tip 2: Involve Employees in the Benefits Changes Process
Employees who are involved from the outset in the process of implementing employee benefits changes are more likely to be receptive to proposed revisions.
Surveys or focus groups are excellent ways to explore the preferences and needs of employees. Avoid asking questions that you may not want to hear the answers to. Also avoid bringing up any other elements that are not on the table for amendment.
Tip 3: Clearly Communicate Potential Benefits Changes
While you can’t reveal everything to all your employees, be candid about what is evolved and why the employee benefits changes are necessary.
- Identify stakeholders and important messages
- Develop a timeline
- And provide employees with adequate feedback channels
If uncertain about how to develop an acceptable communication mechanism, ask your employees for their input.
Employees don’t always interpret employee benefits changes as being necessary or beneficial. The onus is on employers to provide a clear explanation of modifications and how the adaptations will affect employees. You will also need to communicate whether or not employees will be provided with opportunities to contribute and respond.
About Benefits Strategies
For over 30 years Benefits Strategies have been providing creative, customized benefits programs for executives and employees. Our plans not only increase employee morale and satisfaction, they also elevate your business profile.
If you have any questions or need assistance with communicating employee benefit changes, please call our Edmonton office at 1-780-437-5070 or send us an email.
You can read more about the Canadian Human Rights Pension and Insurance Regulations on the Government of Canada’s Justice Laws website.
