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How to Resolve Employee Benefits Gaps: 8 Strategies to Use Now

Employee smiling about employee benefits offerings

In today's competitive employment landscape, many organizations recognize that employees are their most valuable asset. To attract and retain top talent, employers must go beyond competitive salaries and create holistic and meaningful employee benefits packages that address diverse workforce needs.  

Understanding and addressing employee benefits gaps is crucial for employers who aim to create an engaged, supported and satisfied workforce.  

Well-rounded benefits packages often translate to enhanced employee well-being, boosted retention rates and a positive work culture. This article highlights proactive steps employers can take to identify and assess gaps in employee benefits offerings. 

Employer considerations: How to identify employee benefits gaps  

Identifying gaps in employee benefits offerings can be a complex task, as it requires a careful assessment of employee preferences, trends and organizational resources. Consider the following strategies for identifying and addressing these gaps: 

1. Review existing benefits  

Start by reviewing the current employee benefits package. While taking inventory of benefits, organizations should assess if they offer the basics (e.g., health insurance, sick and family leave) or anything unique compared to competitors or other employers in their industry.  

This is also a good time to review benefits utilization to better understand if there are any benefits that employees do not or rarely use. An example of this may be employee assistance programs. 

2. Analyze employee demographics and specific needs 

Demographics such as age, gender and marital status can influence employees’ preferred benefits. Recognize that those needs can shift over time, so this is an ongoing exercise. 

3. Gather employee feedback 

Collect feedback directly from employees through surveys, focus groups or other methods. Employers should consider inquiring about employee satisfaction with existing benefits, what they value most and if there are any benefits they feel are missing from their package or that could be improved. 

4. Benchmark against industry standards.  

Research industry standards and best practices to understand what benefits competitors and similar and local organizations provide. This can help employers identify any gaps in their offerings. 

5. Explore emerging trends and employee preferences 

Stay informed about employee benefits trends. Current trends include flexible work arrangements, mental health support and student loan assistance. This is also the time to consider employee feedback results and reported preferred benefits. 

6. Prioritize employee benefits based on budget 

While employers may choose from a long list of attractive or preferred benefits, the reality is that they must also consider organizational finances and resources to determine the feasibility of new or different offerings. Prioritize the budget-friendly benefits that would have the most significant impact on employee satisfaction and overall well-being.

7. Communicate changes effectively 

Employers should ensure clear and effective communication with employees when introducing or modifying benefits. Education is critical to utilization, so employers should clearly describe any changes, provide their rationale and explain how benefits changes align with employee feedback, emerging trends and organizational goals. 

8. Monitor and reassess  

Benefits needs and preferences change over time, so it’s important for employers to regularly monitor utilization and effectiveness of offerings. If drastic changes were made to the benefits package, check in with employees to gauge their feedback.  

Lastly, keep the conversation going with employees to keep a pulse on their preferred benefits and reassess available options to ensure they meet evolving needs. 


Take a proactive approach to employee benefits offerings 

Savvy employers continually evaluate their existing benefits, gather employee feedback, benchmark against industry standards and strategically address any identified gaps. By periodically reassessing benefits offerings, employers can ensure they remain competitive in the labor market and meet the evolving needs of the workforce. 

By taking a proactive approach to understanding needs and preferences, organizations can create benefits packages that truly support current and prospective employees. This concerted effort can lead to increased workplace engagement and satisfaction and, ultimately, organizational success. 

If you’d like additional employee benefits guidance, TruePlan can help. Our team of experts can assist you in finding the right employee benefits package for your organization and guide you through customized benefits solutions. Contact us today to get started identifying and closing employee benefits gaps. 

This Benefits Insights is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as professional advice. © 2024 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved. 

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