Aligning a benefits program with a company’s employment brand

Even with inevitable economic ups and downs, you can bet that the battle for talent will continue unabated.

The labor talent pool is shrinking; according to the Pew Research Center, the number of retired Boomers has increased more in 2020 than in prior years.

In a world where there is a scarcity of talent, employers need to get creative to distinguish themselves from competitors. One way to do so is by putting employees at the heart of a benefits program, which can help even the most experienced human resources and benefits professionals recruit and keep talent, improve overall employee health, and reduce stress.

Good health is good business
To help separate themselves from the proverbial pack, companies should ensure their benefits program is aligned with their employment brand (how it markets and brands itself to attract and retain the best talent). Employers are well positioned to leverage unique benefits and amenities such as voluntary benefits, flexible schedules, or fitness centers to help themselves stay competitive in a tight labor market. Corporate fitness centers not only help with recruiting, they also improve overall employee health, reduce workplace stress, and help keep talent. And smaller companies and those with a largely remote workforce, especially given the COVID-19 pandemic, can incorporate virtual fitness solutions.

HealthFitness, a Trustmark company, recently conducted a survey which found that 92 percent of company HR leaders said their fitness centers helped them stay competitive. One HR leader said “amenities such as our fitness center help us attract and retain talent for our organization.” Another said “our onsite fitness center is an attractive employee perk.”

“Today’s candidates are used to having choices in their everyday lives,” said Ann Wyatt, vice president, program management and engagement with HealthFitness, a Trustmark company. “They search for an employer the same way consumers search for products. Sure, they might size up healthcare and pay packages, but they also seek benefits beyond those benefits.”

Reinforcements in the ongoing battle for talent
Putting employees at the heart of everything you do pays dividends for both the employee and employer. Trustmark’s own research found that health, wellbeing, and fitness program participants have a highly favorable perception of their employer. Among these employee participants, 70 percent reported that their program offering means their employer cares about them. And participants also indicated they are likelier than non-participants to stay with their employer, refer someone to the company, and be more productive – all crucial reinforcements in the ongoing battle for talent.

Read our white paper, Through Engagement to Action: A Wellbeing Roadmap
Learn more about how putting employees at the heart of everything you do can lead to sustainable, healthier, and financially sound behaviors, resulting in improved employee wellbeing and employer bottom line.

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