Only Half of Employees Know How to Enroll in Benefits—Here’s How Employers Can Help

A new survey from New York Life Group Benefit Solutions reveals that only 43% of workers say they know how to enroll in their benefits. This statistic—unchanged from last year—highlights an ongoing challenge for employers: helping employees confidently navigate open enrollment and understand their benefit options.

What the Survey Found

The report uncovered several key insights about employees’ benefit preferences and support needs:

• Human connection matters. 62% of employees prefer speaking with a real person when dealing with sensitive life events such as caregiving, child care, mental health, or pregnancy.
• Hybrid support is valued. More than half (68%) of employees favor either fully human support (37%) or a combination of human, digital, and AI-driven tools (31%).
• Employee priorities remain steady. The most in-demand benefits continue to include 401(k) or retirement plan matches, supplemental health coverage, flexible work arrangements, mental health resources, and optional life and disability insurance.
• Knowledge gaps persist—especially among women. A separate study from The Standard found that 66% of women consider themselves knowledgeable about their benefits, compared to 74% of men.

These findings underscore a simple truth: employees want more education, communication, and personalized guidance when it comes to benefits.

Why Benefits Education Matters

Benefits are one of the most valuable tools an employer can offer—but only if employees understand how to use them. Without proper education, employees may miss out on key programs or make choices that don’t align with their needs.

When employers invest in clear, ongoing benefits education, they:

• Increase engagement during open enrollment
• Boost satisfaction with employer-provided benefits
• Empower employees to make more informed, cost-effective decisions
• Strengthen retention by showing commitment to employee well-being

The Employer Opportunity

Open enrollment is the perfect time for employers to connect with their workforce—but it shouldn’t be the only time. Year-round communication, including reminders, webinars, and one-on-one support, helps employees feel more confident about their choices and more appreciative of the benefits offered.

At Zinn Insurance, we know that benefits education is an ongoing partnership. As a full-service broker partner, we provide hands-on support before, during, and after open enrollment—ensuring employees understand and use the benefits available to them.

If your current broker isn’t offering that level of engagement, it may be time to make a change.