EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
e-benefits coming of age
Off-the-peg software that enables employers to administer, deliver and communicate benefits online has transformed the e-benefits market, according to a report by Employee Benefits magazine.
Improvements in technology and delivery methods mean e-benefits technology is now much more affordable. So getting your benefits administration online can make sense, says Employee Benefits.
Boosting benefits communication
Employers can exploit a centralised online benefits database to boost benefits communication and produce an online total reward statement. Sarah Coles, the author of the report, explains: "Online communications help squeeze more value from the benefits offered to staff. For many employers this is just the return they need to justify the initial investment."
Moving into flexible benefits
But eventually employers will want to go much further. Many want to give employees the flexibility to change their package and buy those things they value. As Coles points out: "Moving into flexible benefits isn't such a giant cultural leap when you've come this far. Employers already have the data they need on the system, and employees are already familiar with the technology. Many even run voluntary benefits on the system first to give staff a taster of online selection."
Want to know more?
Title: "e-benefits strategy", Employee Benefits supplement, September 2002.
Availability: Contact the subscriptions department at Employee Benefits, tel: 020 7292 3719, email: employee-benefits@centaur.co.uk.
To find out more, visit the Employee Benefits web site . . .