The SHRM 2024 conference session, “Top Ten Trends, Takeaways and Truths from 10,000 Workers,” held on Tuesday, June 25th, was a pivotal gathering for HR professionals looking to understand the current and future landscape of employee benefits and workplace culture. This session, led by Laura Marzi, VP and Chief Marketing Officer of Employee Benefits at The Hartford, provided critical insights drawn from The Hartford’s comprehensive 2024 “Future of Benefits” study. This study, which surveyed over 10,000 employees and employers across diverse sectors, offers a deep dive into the sentiments and needs of today’s workforce. Here’s a breakdown of the key trends and takeaways from this enlightening session.

Key Trends in Employee Benefits

1. Tech vs. HumanityInsight: Employees are grappling with the balance between technological integration and human interaction in managing their benefits. While technology offers convenience and efficiency, many employees still value human touchpoints for more complex and sensitive issues.Takeaway: HR leaders should aim for a hybrid approach, leveraging technology for routine tasks while ensuring human availability for personalized support.Source: The Hartford’s 2024 “Future of Benefits” study reveals a significant preference for human interaction in certain HR functions despite the advantages of tech solutions .
2. Diversity and InclusionInsight: Managing workplace diversity and inclusion remains a top priority. Employees are increasingly vocal about the need for genuine, impactful D&I initiatives that go beyond token gestures.Takeaway: Develop comprehensive D&I programs that are integrated into all levels of the organization, fostering an inclusive culture that values diverse perspectives.Source: SHRM emphasizes that effective D&I strategies are crucial for enhancing employee engagement and organizational performance .
3. Employee WellnessInsight: The focus on employee wellness has intensified, with mental health and well-being becoming central to benefits programs. Employees are seeking more support in managing stress, anxiety, and overall mental health.Takeaway: Incorporate robust wellness programs that address both physical and mental health, offering resources such as counseling, wellness workshops, and stress management tools.Source: Forbes highlights the growing importance of comprehensive wellness programs in enhancing employee satisfaction and productivity .

Distilling Employee Sentiments

4. Benefits Satisfaction vs. NeedsInsight: There is often a disconnect between what HR decision-makers believe employees need and what employees actually want. This gap can lead to dissatisfaction and decreased engagement.Takeaway: Conduct regular surveys and feedback sessions to align benefit offerings with employee expectations and needs, ensuring that the benefits provided are truly valued.Source: The Future of Benefits study underscores the importance of aligning HR perspectives with employee realities to enhance satisfaction .
5. Onboarding TechniquesInsight: Effective onboarding is critical for employee retention and engagement. Employees who have a positive onboarding experience are more likely to feel connected and committed to the organization.Takeaway: Invest in comprehensive onboarding programs that include mentorship, clear communication, and integration into the company culture from day one.Source: Harvard Business Review states that well-structured onboarding programs can significantly improve employee retention rates .

Uncovering Preferred HR Functions

6. Human vs. Tech-Managed FunctionsInsight: Employees have clear preferences regarding which HR functions should be managed by humans versus technology. While routine tasks are suitable for automation, functions involving personal interaction and complex problem-solving are preferred to be human-managed.Takeaway: Implement technology to handle administrative tasks, freeing up HR professionals to focus on more strategic, interpersonal functions that require a human touch.Source: Gartner suggests that balancing technology with human interaction can optimize HR service delivery and enhance employee experience .

Discovering Solutions for Unmet Needs

7. Addressing Unmet NeedsInsight: Unmet needs in benefits and workplace support are common issues that can lead to dissatisfaction and turnover. Employees often cite gaps in mental health support, career development opportunities, and flexible working arrangements.Takeaway: Identify and address these gaps by enhancing mental health resources, providing clear career progression paths, and offering flexible work options to meet the diverse needs of your workforce.Source: SHRM’s research on employee benefits highlights the importance of addressing unmet needs to improve retention and engagement .

Engaging in Collaborative Discussions

8. Collaborative Problem SolvingInsight: Engaging in roundtable discussions and collaborative problem-solving sessions can yield innovative solutions and enhance the overall employee experience. These discussions provide valuable insights from diverse perspectives.Takeaway: Foster a culture of open dialogue and collaboration within the organization, encouraging employees to share their insights and participate in decision-making processes.Source: The benefits of collaborative problem-solving in enhancing innovation and employee engagement are discussed by the Stanford Social Innovation Review .

Conclusion

The SHRM 2024 session led by Laura Marzi offered invaluable insights into the current trends, employee sentiments, and future directions of workplace benefits. By understanding and addressing these key areas, HR leaders can create a more engaging, inclusive, and supportive work environment that meets the evolving needs of their employees. Embracing both technology and humanity, fostering diversity and inclusion, and focusing on comprehensive wellness programs are essential strategies for navigating the complexities of today’s workplace and preparing for the future.