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Making Benefits Technology Stick: The Key to Employee Engagement and Business Success

In today’s workplace, defined by hybrid working, employee wellbeing and the demand for flexibility, benefits technology has become a strategic necessity. However, for organisations to truly see results, this technology must do more than exist. It must become embedded in the employee experience, delivering real engagement by meeting the needs of a diverse workforce. 


So, how can businesses create a benefits platform that not only functions effectively but also boosts retention, performance and employee satisfaction? 



A person in a green shirt sits with hands clasped at a wooden desk, facing an open laptop. Notebooks, pens, and glasses are nearby. Bright room.

The Business Case for Engagement‑Driven Benefits 

Engaged employees perform better, stay longer and contribute to stronger business outcomes: 

  • Organisational performance can be more than 200% higher in companies with high employee engagement.


  • Highly engaged teams deliver around 21% greater profitability.

  • Disengaged employees cost the global economy roughly 9% of GDP (Engaged employees are approximately 87% less likely to leave their organisation).  


Employee engagement is not merely a morale booster; it is a business imperative. 

Building Benefits Technology That Employees Actually Use 


The most successful platforms are hubs of culture, support and communication. To encourage meaningful engagement: 


1. Offer Personalised Options  Provide choice—such as gym memberships, private healthcare or flexible working allowances—that feel relevant and tailored to individual lives. 


Red-haired woman relaxes with hands behind head in a bright office. Others work in the background. Calm and focused atmosphere.

2. Place Wellbeing at the Centre  Research shows 89% of employees who feel their mental and physical health is supported would recommend their employer. 


3. Enable Real‑Time Recognition  Peer‑to‑peer and milestone recognition can boost motivation. Strategic recognition may improve engagement by nearly 3×

  

4. Encourage Feedback and Transparency  Surveys, polls and visible communication support trust and inclusion. 


5. Use Incentives and Gamification Gamified wellness and reward schemes can increase productivity by up to 22%. 


Seamless Access: Removing Barriers from Day One 

To embed benefits into the employee experience, access must be smooth and immediate: 

  • Single Sign‑On (SSO) removes login friction 

  • Fully mobile‑enabled platforms meet employees wherever they are

  • Immediate access from day one is critical — delays can undermine engagement before it begins 


Onboarding Journey: Set the Tone Early 

Six people sitting around a table in a bright room with yellow accents, engaged in a discussion. Large windows and a plant in the background.

The onboarding process should be: 

  • Fully automatable and pre‑configured to avoid delays 

  • Clear and guided, showing what is available and how to use it 

  • Backed by managers who are equipped to promote the benefits 

  • Early access and support increase the likelihood of sustained engagement. 


Continuous Promotion: Combine Digital and Human Touchpoints

Technology alone is insufficient. Sustained awareness requires: 

  • In‑person events such as benefits fairs or pop‑ups 

  • Internal champions and manager endorsements 

  • Seasonal campaigns, reminders and nudges to maintain relevance 

  • Combining face‑to‑face interactions with digital touchpoints enriches the overall experience. 


Creating a Culture That Supports Retention 

Culture is shaped by the systems employees interact with daily. Effective benefits platforms reinforce inclusion, openness and recognition, contributing to: 

  • Reduction in turnover by up to 30% 

  • Around 40% increase in engagement when purpose and inclusion are prioritised 

  • Higher advocacy, with employees more likely to recommend their workplace to others 

 

Embedding culture within your benefits platform transforms it from a transactional tool into a core element of the employee value proposition. 


Final Thoughts: From Usage to Impact 

A benefits platform succeeds when it is integrated into everyday work life. Built with personalisation, wellbeing, recognition, seamless access, efficient onboarding and ongoing engagement, it becomes far more than technology—it becomes a driver of retention, performance and satisfaction. 


Focus on a platform that connects, adapts and communicates with your workforce from the very start and continues to do so—this is how benefits technology truly sticks. 


Man in a cozy room holds glasses, looks at laptop. Wooden table with flowers, book, coffee, cake. Shelves and plants in background.

 

PlanetOnce Success Checklist 

1. Platform Readiness & Accessibility 

  • Platform supports Single Sign-On (SSO) for ease of access 

  • Fully mobile-enabled for on-the-go use 

  • Accessible to all employees from day one, including new starters 

  • Tested for cross-device compatibility (desktop, tablet, mobile) 

  • Integration with existing HRIS and payroll systems 

 

2. Employee Onboarding & First-Day Experience 

  • Platform is included in the new hire onboarding pack 

  • Automated onboarding journey is configured and tested 

  • Employees receive clear instructions on how to log in and use the system 

  • Line managers are briefed to promote and support the platform from day one 

 

3. Personalisation & Employee Relevance 

  • Employees can customise their benefits based on lifestyle and needs 

  • Platform offers a range of options (e.g., health, fitness, flexible working, discounts) 

  • Communication is tailored to employee demographics and preferences 

 

4. Wellbeing & Recognition Features 

  • Mental, physical and financial wellbeing resources are embedded 

  • Platform includes real-time recognition tools (peer-to-peer, milestones) 

  • Recognition and rewards are visible and accessible across the business 

  • Gamification features are implemented (e.g., wellness challenges, rewards points) 

 

5. Communication & Engagement Strategy 

  • Initial launch campaign planned (email, intranet, posters, in-person launch) 

  • Regular reminders and seasonal promotions scheduled throughout the year 

  • Engagement tracked via usage analytics and employee feedback 

  • In-person benefits fairs or pop-ups scheduled periodically 

  • Internal benefits champions or ambassadors identified and trained 

 

6. Feedback, Transparency & Continuous Improvement 

  • Built-in feedback tools (polls, surveys) are activated 

  • Clear reporting on benefit usage and uptake available to HR and leadership 

  • Regular review cycles for improving offerings based on engagement data 

  • Employees are kept informed of new benefits or changes to the platform 

 

7. Culture, Inclusion & Retention Alignment 

  • Benefits align with the organisation’s culture and values 

  • Platform reflects a commitment to diversity and inclusion 

  • Supports purpose-driven engagement (e.g., sustainability, volunteering) 

  • Positioned as a core part of your EVP (Employee Value Proposition) 

 


Ready to get started? Download the complete Planet Once Success Checklist here.






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