June 16th, 2025
by Louis C. Bernardi, Certified Health Value Advisor | Certified Healthcare Fiduciary Coach | Benefit Optimization Officer | Founder | Health Rosetta Associate Advisor | Identical Twin | Podcast Host
How to Stay Informed About Employee Needs and Preferences for Benefits
Staying informed about employee needs and preferences for benefits is crucial for any organization’s success. This article delves into effective strategies for understanding and meeting these evolving demands, drawing on insights from industry experts. From analyzing claims data to implementing AI-powered feedback systems, discover how companies can shape their benefits programs to better serve their workforce.
Analyze Claims Data for Actionable Insights
Anonymous AI-Powered Feedback System Boosts Suggestions
Diverse Feedback Methods Drive Benefit Improvements
Regular Check-Ins and Surveys Shape Benefits
Analyze Claims Data for Actionable Insights
While surveys and employee check-ins can provide surface-level insights, we’ve found that the most objective and actionable source of employee feedback comes from claims data. This data reveals far more than opinions—it shows how employees are actually using their benefits, what conditions are most prevalent, and where gaps in care may exist.
Instead of relying on apps or digital tools to ask employees what they need, we analyze patterns in the claims themselves. For instance, we look at which preventive services are being underutilized, where there’s poor adherence to treatment protocols, or which chronic conditions are driving costs and complications. This gives us a clearer understanding of what kind of support employees truly need—even if they haven’t explicitly asked for it.
As one example, we reviewed claims data for a mid-sized company and noticed a troubling trend: a high volume of emergency room visits for issues that could have been handled in a primary care setting. That led to the implementation of an education campaign on urgent vs. emergency care, and the addition of a virtual primary care option with no out-of-pocket cost. Within months, ER utilization dropped significantly—improving both member experience and plan efficiency.
With insights like these, employers can implement targeted programs or resources that address specific health challenges, improve care navigation, and guide employees toward higher-quality providers. Over time, this approach helps members get more value from their benefits while reducing unnecessary costs and complications.
In short, we don’t guess at what employees want or need—we use real-world utilization data to meet them where they are and help them get where they need to go.
