Transparency and Consumer Education: Helping Employees Get the Most Out of Their Benefits

Employee benefits are one of the largest investments a company makes in its workforce. Yet many employees do not fully understand the benefits available to them or how to maximize those offerings. According to industry surveys, nearly 50 percent of employees admit they do not fully understand their health plan options, and even fewer take advantage of supplemental benefits such as mental health programs, financial wellness tools, or voluntary coverage.

That lack of clarity does not just hurt employees. It can also impact employers through lower engagement, missed savings opportunities, and higher turnover. This is why transparency and consumer education have become essential strategies in employee benefits.

At Wells Insurance, we help employers design benefit programs that are both competitive and clear, while also giving employees the tools and confidence to make informed choices.

Why Transparency Matters in Benefits

• Better employee decisions: When employees understand the “why” behind benefit options, they are more likely to choose plans that truly meet their needs.

• Higher satisfaction and retention: Employees who feel supported during open enrollment report stronger loyalty to their employer.

• Cost control for businesses: Educated employees make smarter healthcare decisions, which can reduce overall claim costs and prevent surprises.

Real-World Solutions for Employers

1. Simplify Open Enrollment

Instead of handing employees a thick benefits booklet once a year, create a more engaging and accessible experience:

• Host short virtual or in-person Q&A sessions with HR and your benefits advisor

• Use decision-support tools or comparison charts that clearly show differences in plan costs, coverage levels, and provider networks

• Share “what’s new this year” updates early and often to help employees plan ahead

2. Use Plain Language and Real-Life Scenarios

Benefits jargon can be overwhelming. Reframe plan details in everyday language:

• Instead of just listing deductibles and co-pays, share examples such as “If you visit the ER, here is what you can expect to pay under each plan.”

• Provide side-by-side “persona” examples such as a single young employee compared to a family with children to show how different plans meet different needs

3. Offer Year-Round Education

Do not limit communication to open enrollment. Throughout the year:

• Share monthly reminders or short videos on how to use telemedicine, preventive care, or wellness benefits

• Provide tips for maximizing benefits such as using an HSA for tax savings

• Reinforce what benefits are available since many employees forget or assume coverage is not included

4. Highlight Voluntary and Supplemental Benefits

Employees often overlook valuable add-ons such as:

• Mental health and EAP programs

• Vision and dental coverage

• Disability and life insurance

• Financial wellness or student loan assistance

When employees see how these benefits support their whole life, not just their medical needs, utilization and satisfaction increase.

5. Partner With an Advisor Who Prioritizes Clarity

Insurance is complex, but your advisor should simplify it for both HR teams and employees. At Wells Insurance, we work with employers to:

• Create tailored communication strategies

• Host employee meetings and webinars during open enrollment

• Provide clear resources and support tools to maximize utilization

The Wells Insurance Advantage

At Wells Insurance, we believe education and transparency are the foundation of a strong benefits strategy. Our Employee Benefits team partners with businesses of all sizes to:

• Streamline open enrollment processes

• Build year-round communication plans

• Provide decision-making tools and real-world examples

• Ensure your employees feel confident in their choices

When employees understand their benefits, they not only use them more effectively but also value their employer more. That is a win for everyone.

Next Steps

Is your business preparing for open enrollment or looking to improve how employees engage with your benefits program? Now is the time to focus on transparency and education.

Visit our Employee Benefits page to learn more about how Wells Insurance can support your organization. Let us help your employees feel confident, informed, and well cared for.