It’s increasingly difficult for many organizations to retain their best and brightest employees as the economy strengthens and millions of new jobs are being created. In fact, according to a recent Towers Watson survey, more than half of employers reported difficulty holding on to skilled workers. With low wage growth expected again in 2016—WorldatWork expects an average salary increase of 3.1 percent—smart employers are emphasizing the value of benefits as a means of getting their talent to stay put. By learning how to share information about benefits clearly and effectively, you can cultivate your competency as a strong communicator.
That’s not always easy. The past five years have brought perhaps our biggest challenge, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which is possibly the most complex benefits legislation ever passed. As if that wasn’t enough, retirement plans are also evolving to build in automation and encourage lifetime participation.
Meanwhile, HR leaders are managing the most diverse workforce in U.S. history while considering new ideas about the nature of work. It’s understandable that benefits communication has not been at the top of HR’s priority list.
