The Benefits Blind Spot: Why Communication Is the Missing Link in Employee Engagement

In today’s workplace, benefits are no longer just a checkbox—they’re a reflection of company values, culture, and care. Yet despite generous offerings, many employees remain disengaged, confused, or unaware of what’s available to them. The reason? Communication (or a lack of).

The Engagement Gap

Employers are investing more than ever in benefits—from mental health support and fertility coverage to lifestyle spending accounts and financial wellness tools. But according to recent data:

• 64% of employers only communicate about benefits during open enrollment
• 50% of employees say better understanding their benefits would increase loyalty
• Employees who clearly understand their coverage are more likely to trust leadership

That’s not a benefits problem. That’s a communication problem.

Benefits as a Trust-Building Tool

Benefits are one of the most personal touchpoints between employer and employee. They affect families, health decisions, and financial futures. When communication is clear, timely, and empathetic, it builds trust. When it’s vague, transactional, or buried in jargon, it erodes it.

At Angel Vision, we believe benefits communication should be:

• Personalized: Tailored to different employee segments, life stages, and learning styles. Check out Bridging the Gap: Communicating Benefits Across Generations
• Multi-channel: Delivered through email, SMS, microsites, manager-led updates, and even short videos
• Year-round: Not just during open enrollment, but as part of an ongoing conversation
• Clear and value-driven: Free of compliance-speak and full of real-life relevance

What HR Leaders Can Do Today

• Audit your current communication strategy: What’s being said, how often, and through which channels?
• Create a benefits calendar: Align messages with seasonal needs—tax time, back-to-school, wellness months
• Train managers as benefits ambassadors: Equip them with talking points and empathy-driven scripts
• Use storytelling and create internal benefits champions: Share real employee stories that show benefits in action

Final Thought

Benefits aren’t just about coverage—they’re about connection and clarity. When employees feel informed, empowered, and seen, engagement follows. Communication isn’t the cherry on top—it’s the bridge between intention and impact.