Inspired by a Harris poll revealing that 70% of Americans feel the healthcare system has failed them, this episode addresses a critical but often overlooked aspect: employee engagement with healthcare benefits.
At first glance, the healthcare system appears to offer good care—there are stories of positive experiences and exceptional medical teams. However, these stories are often overshadowed by the administrative complexities and the general sense of being overwhelmed. The real issue isn’t always the quality of care but the difficulty in navigating healthcare plans. Even the best healthcare plan is ineffective if employees don’t understand how to use it.
Lack of Engagement
Sally Pace, CEO of Connect Healthcare Collaboration, provided insightful perspectives on the challenges employers face with employee engagement in health plans. One of the most significant problems is that employees often don’t understand how to use their healthcare benefits effectively. It’s not just about having the right benefits—it’s about ensuring employees know how to utilize them.
Pace highlighted a staggering statistic: only 12% of U.S. adults are considered health literate, meaning the vast majority don’t fully understand their healthcare benefits. This underscores the importance of clear communication. When employees don’t grasp the terminology or available services, they are less likely to engage, leading to underutilization and higher costs.
The “Rule of Seven” and the “Three R’s”
One of the most effective strategies discussed is the “Rule of Seven,” a marketing principle that suggests people need to see a message at least seven times before they take action. In the context of healthcare, this means employees need multiple touchpoints to start engaging with their health benefits. This could be through emails, posters, push notifications, and even personalized communication from HR.
Additionally, Pace introduced the “Three R’s”: Reach, Repetition, and Relevancy. These are essential for driving engagement. For instance, if communication isn’t relevant to employees’ needs—such as sending information about maternity benefits to someone who isn’t planning a family—it’s unlikely to resonate or lead to action.
The Disconnect Between HR and Employees
Another alarming statistic discussed was that 85% of employees don’t trust HR when it comes to their health plans. This lack of trust is a significant barrier to engagement. Employees may feel that disclosing personal health information could impact their job security or future salary negotiations, making them hesitant to ask questions or seek guidance from HR.
This is where a third-party advocate can make a substantial difference. Having a neutral, knowledgeable person or team available to answer questions and guide employees through their health benefits can significantly increase engagement.
The Cost of Ignorance
When employees don’t engage with their health plans, the consequences can be dire—not just for their health but also for the company’s bottom line. An example shared in the episode revealed that when a group of employees was surveyed, 29% said they would have done nothing about their health issues if they didn’t have access to direct primary care. This could lead to worsening conditions and much higher healthcare costs down the line.
Making Healthcare Work for Us
The takeaway from this episode is clear: engagement is key. Employers need to move beyond simply offering benefits and focus on educating their employees on how to use them. This involves clear, consistent communication and, perhaps most importantly, creating a culture where employees feel comfortable asking questions and seeking help.
The healthcare system doesn’t have to be frustrating—it just needs to be better understood and utilized. By investing in employee engagement, companies can improve health outcomes, reduce costs, and create a more satisfied, productive workforce.
For those struggling with employee engagement in healthcare plans, experts like Sally Pace at Connect Healthcare Collaboration can offer valuable solutions. The answers are out there, and together, healthcare can be made to work for everyone.
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