Would Your Team Know What to Do If They Needed Support?

Why communication matters just as much as the benefits you offer

Many businesses now recognise the importance of employee wellbeing - offering benefits such as Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs), Private Medical Insurance, and Health Cash Plans.

But here’s a question that’s often overlooked:

Would your employees actually know how to use them if they needed help tomorrow?

Even the best benefits can fall flat if people don’t know they exist, don’t understand how they work, or don’t feel confident enough to use them.

And when someone’s struggling - mentally, financially, or emotionally - that awareness gap can make all the difference.

The Awareness Problem

According to industry research, less than half of employees fully understand the benefits available to them.

Common challenges include:

• Benefits introduced once and never mentioned again

• Complex provider platforms or login details that get forgotten

• Employees unsure whether something is “for them”

• Managers not confident in promoting available support

So while businesses invest time and money into great benefits, too many go unused - simply because people don’t know where to start.

Communication Makes the Difference

A well-communicated benefit is a used benefit.

And used benefits make a tangible difference - improving wellbeing, reducing stress, and helping people feel valued.

Simple, consistent communication helps employees:

• Understand what’s available

• Know how to access support

• Feel confident using it when needed

• See that their employer genuinely cares

Sometimes, it’s not about adding new benefits - it’s about helping people get more from what’s already there.

How to Build a Culture of Support

1. Talk About Benefits Regularly

Include wellbeing reminders in internal newsletters, team meetings, and intranet posts.

2. Make It Easy to Find Information

Provide quick links, short guides, or info posters summarising support options.

3. Empower Line Managers

Train managers to recognise when someone may need help - and how to point them in the right direction.

4. Normalise Asking for Help

Encourage openness by reminding employees that using benefits like EAPs is completely confidential.

5. Highlight Real-World Scenarios

Explain how someone might use a benefit: counselling after a stressful life event, financial guidance, or quick access to treatment.

When employees can picture themselves using the benefit, it becomes relevant and memorable.

Why It Matters

When people know how to access support, they’re more likely to get help early - preventing small issues from becoming major problems.

That’s good for employees, but also for your business:

• Lower absenteeism

• Stronger resilience

• Higher engagement and loyalty

• A workplace culture built on trust and care

Final Thoughts

Benefits only make a difference if people know they exist and feel confident using them.

If you’re unsure whether your team understands what’s available - or if your communication could be clearer - now is the perfect time to review it.

At Excellect, we help businesses not only choose the right benefits but also make sure employees get real value from them.

Speak to us about reviewing your benefits or exploring how to improve employee awareness and engagement.