Employee benefits have always been a cornerstone of workforce satisfaction and retention. Today, however, the conversation has shifted. Offering a robust benefits package is no longer enough. In an era of rising healthcare costs, diverse employee needs, and complex plan designs, education has become the critical differentiator. Employers, unions, and fund administrators are realizing that benefits education is not just a nice-to-have. It is one of the highest priorities for building an engaged, informed, and loyal workforce.
Why Benefit Education Matters More Than Ever
The modern benefits landscape is more complicated than ever. Employees are navigating health insurance options, retirement plans, voluntary benefits, and wellness programs while balancing personal financial goals. Without clear guidance, these choices can feel overwhelming. The result is underutilized benefits, poor decision-making, and frustration that erodes trust.
Recent research underscores the urgency: 86 percent of employees say they are confused about their benefits and want more education from their employers. This lack of understanding does not just impact individual well-being, it affects organizational performance. When employees feel uncertain, engagement drops, productivity suffers, and turnover rises. Conversely, informed employees make better choices, feel valued, and are more likely to stay.
The Employer Challenge
Despite the clear need, many organizations struggle to deliver effective benefits education. Common obstacles include:
- Complexity of Plans: Health and welfare programs often involve intricate details that are hard to simplify.
- Limited Resources: HR teams are often stretched thin, juggling compliance, enrollment, and daily operations.
- Constant Change: Regulatory updates and evolving benefit options require ongoing communication.
These challenges demand a strategic solution, and that is where partnering with a trusted Third-Party Administrator (TPA) becomes critical.
How Amalgamated Helps Close the Gap
At Amalgamated Employee Benefits Administrators (Amalgamated), we understand that benefits education is not just about explaining plan details. It is about empowering employees to make informed decisions that improve their lives. Our approach combines deep expertise, innovative tools, and a commitment to transparency:
- Union Heritage and Trust: Our roots in the labor movement reflect a longstanding dedication to fairness and advocacy for working people. This heritage drives our mission to ensure every employee receives the support they deserve.
- Proven Reliability: Trusted by single and multi-employer plans across the country, including Taft-Hartley and self-funded plans, Amalgamated has built its reputation on decades of experience and a truly broad range of benefit administration services. From eligibility management and claims processing to compliance support and detailed reporting, Amalgamated delivers the expertise and tools that employers, unions, and fund administrators rely on to manage benefits programs with confidence and integrity.
- Education-First Strategy: We deliver clear, accessible communication and personalized guidance, helping employees understand not just what their benefits are but how to use them effectively. Our resources and expertise allow organizations to overcome the complexity and resource challenges that often stand in the way of effective education.
The Bottom Line
Benefits education is no longer optional. It is a strategic imperative for organizations that want to attract, retain, and engage top talent. Employers, unions, and fund administrators who invest in education create a workforce that feels valued, informed, and empowered.
Amalgamated is ready to help you close the knowledge gap. To learn more about how our TPA services can transform your benefits program, visit our Solutions page or contact us today.
