Earlier this summer, Gallup reported that one in five employees worldwide feels disconnected and lonely. Harvard Business Review also found that organizations that successfully create connected workplaces see significant improvements in retention and productivity. But how can you bridge the gap between fostering connection, supporting individual employee needs, and advancing broader organizational goals?
Enter Benefits Mapping—a strategic tool that aligns your company’s values with your workforce’s diverse needs. This series is an evolution of my approach, helping employers guide employees through life events like caregiving, without defaulting to yet another point solution.
Why Does This Matter?
My clients know that offering various benefit options is more than just the right thing to do—it’s a smart business move that boosts the bottom line. Supporting caregivers isn’t just compassionate; it’s strategic.
However, too many options can create confusion and underutilization of benefits. To counter this, I help organizations create a Caregiver Benefit Map—a values-based document that outlines how existing benefits support caregiving employees while fostering connection and engagement.
Creating this map isn’t something you can outsource to brokers or EAPs; it’s vital that you, as a leader, take the reins. Here’s how to start:
Step 1: Remember the Objective
The goal isn’t to craft 43 one-pagers for the most stressful life events, though if you have, please share! Instead, focus on identifying the most likely events your employees will face based on your organization’s demographics. Being prepared shows your employees that they’re seen and supported, helping to alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation.
It’s not about solving every potential issue; it’s about connecting with your employees by showing how your benefits can be the gateway to the support they need.
Step 2: Find Your Key Documents
Before you start mapping, gather two essential documents:
- Your company’s value statement and culture description: This isn’t just the words on the wall—it’s your company’s soul. How you deliver on these values will shine through in your Caregiver Benefit Map, which is also an opportunity to reaffirm your commitment to creating a workplace where employees thrive through all life events.
- Your employee manual and benefits package: This includes everything from leave policies to total rewards programs. Specifically, consolidate information from your health plan, dental & vision insurance, pharmacy discounts, retirement benefits, EAP support, life & disability insurance, wellness programs, and more.
If it’s a perk you promote or a benefit of employment, jot it down. Include anything relevant to the life event. For instance, if your company matches non-profit donations, that match can help a caregiver feel even more empowered to contribute to a cure, showing your shared commitment to their cause.
Conclusion
Creating a benefits map isn’t just about organizing information—it’s about building a stronger, more connected workforce and tackling disconnection and loneliness head-on. By aligning your benefits strategy with your company’s purpose, you foster a workplace where employees feel valued and engaged, ensuring that the benefits you offer are used when needed most.
