For employers, providing competitive employee benefits isn’t just about offering a plan—it’s about making sure that plan actually meets employees’ needs. But without real data, you’re flying blind.
That’s where employee benefits surveys come in. A well-timed survey helps you gather essential feedback, identify pain points, and make improvements. Done consistently, it can also provide a clear baseline for tracking satisfaction over time.
Timing Is Everything: When to Survey Employees
A common mistake employers make is waiting until benefits renewal season to ask employees for feedback. By then, it’s too late to make meaningful adjustments before the next plan year. The best time to survey employees is about six months into the benefits plan year—roughly six months before renewal.
Surveying mid-year allows you to:
✔️ Identify issues early – If employees are struggling with network access, prescription costs, or claim denials, you’ll catch it before renewal.
✔️ Track satisfaction trends – Conducting surveys year over year helps establish a baseline, so you can measure improvements over time.
✔️ Make data-driven decisions – Instead of guessing, you’ll have real insights to guide your benefits strategy.
What to Ask in an Employee Benefits Survey
A good survey should be short but insightful. Key questions to consider include:
- How satisfied are you with your current health plan?
- Do you feel your benefits package meets your needs?
- Have you experienced any difficulties using your benefits?
- What additional benefits or resources would improve your experience?
This feedback helps HR teams and benefits advisors pinpoint areas for improvement, whether it’s adjusting coverage options, improving communication, or renegotiating with carriers.
Data-Driven Decisions Lead to Better Outcomes
At the end of the day, benefits are a major investment. Employers want to attract and retain top talent, while also managing costs effectively. The only way to do that is by making informed decisions—ones backed by data.
Many benefits advisors work from assumptions or rely solely on carrier data. At DSG, we believe you can’t improve what you don’t measure.
By surveying employees at the right time and tracking results over time, you gain insights that lead to better benefits strategies, higher employee satisfaction, and smarter financial decisions.
This data guides every recommendation we make, ensuring your benefits program delivers real value to both your organization and your employees.