Workers deserve better on benefits, tech firm says

Despite well-meaning efforts to offer more benefits and provide extensive financial guidance, employers have to change tack if they really want to help their workers, according to Nayya, a company that provides personalized, data-driven guidance on employee benefits.

In a new report, Nayya shines a light on persistent challenges in the benefits industry that affect American workers.

Released amid growing concerns about health care costs, retirement savings, and mounting living expenses, the report suggests that despite the increase in benefits offerings, employee satisfaction continues to decline.

"There comes a point where you have to cast aside systems that aren't serving consumers," Catherine Spence, vice president of marketing and member impact at Nayya, said in a statement.

Nayya’s research underscores how traditional benefits education often leans on generic, jargon-heavy communication that fails to engage employees meaningfully.

The report also touches on the financial insecurities faced by many Americans, noting that nearly half of the population is afraid of falling into bankruptcy due to a major health event.

Nayya also highlighted the industry’s poor record on employee engagement and satisfaction, which it says reached a new low on in 2023.

Its analysis proposes a more tailored approach to benefits, utilizing health data and personal preferences to craft individualized benefits pathways.

Among the solutions outlined in the report is the integration of technology to streamline and optimize benefits delivery, with digital-first experiences to help ensure employees receive relevant and timely support.

“As an industry, we have the opportunity to make holistic, data-driven, benefits guidance the new standard of excellence,” Spence said. “People deserve better support.”