Employers Look to Technology to Reduce Costs in Employee Benefits Delivery

Employers who were polled all agreed that they would utilize online tools much more frequently if the websites were simpler and functionality was more of a goal. Overall they stated that the functionality of the sites was generally convenient regarding employee benefit online activity but they cited that it became increasingly muddled when submitting claims, integrating payroll processing, managing/tracking employee absences and recording evidence of insurability.

When it came to employee use of benefits technology, their use was, not surprisingly, low to average. Employees mostly utilized the technology for online enrollment and 401(k) management. Employees who utilized the online tools were pleased overall rating most features as “good.” Employees did, however, take issue with functionality when it came to obtaining educational material about insurance and retirement plans and downloading needed forms, this poses a problem because these are the functions that employees use most.

The research was conducted through the internet during April and May of 2011.