How Aflac Is Winning at Employee Retention and Getting Workers Back to the Office: On-Site Doctors, Therapists, and Childcare

Rhea-AI Summary

Aflac Incorporated is enhancing employee retention by focusing on traditional benefits aimed at encouraging a return to office work. With a workforce of 12,000, the insurance company has adopted strategies that emphasize benefits requiring in-office presence, such as on-site healthcare services. CHRO Matthew Owenby notes that employees often spend minimal time understanding their benefits, which can impact their financial well-being. Aflac aims to bridge this knowledge gap, suggesting that communication about benefits should extend beyond annual enrollment periods to ensure employees recognize their importance in retaining staff.

Positive

• Aflac is successfully attracting and retaining employees through enhanced traditional benefits.
• The strategy to incorporate on-site services encourages employees to return to the office.

Negative

• None.

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / April 17, 2023 / Aflac Incorporated

By Amber Burton, Paolo Confino

Originally published on Fortune

Think about the buzziest tech workplaces. What perks come to mind? Perhaps kombucha fountains and foosball tables. Now think about the corporate benefits of the past. What comes to mind? Perhaps an on-site fitness center or health care clinic. For Aflac, these traditional benefits have been most helpful in attracting, retaining, and engaging new hires who value perks that create ease over splashiness.

The insurance firm has also found that adding more benefits that require its 12,000-person workforce to come into the office to take advantage of them is, well, a great way to entice employees back to the office. It's a strategy that CHRO Matthew Owenby admits might sound "old school" to some.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Fortune: There's often a knowledge gap when it comes to benefits. How do you close that for employees?

Matthew Owenby: HR people should do better. It's one thing for me to say, 'Hey, I've given you a benefits handbook, and I put it online, so my work is done here.' Wrong. Most people in the workplace spend less than 30 minutes a year determining what their benefits are going to be. They spend far more time searching for a vacation than they do on something that not only affects their financial stability but, in a post-COVID world, can be a financial exposure. It's the job of the HR organization to ensure that this is as important as getting your taxes right.

You're missing the point if you're waiting for annual enrollment in September to talk about benefits. And you're also not allowing yourself as an employer to use the benefits as another reason to retain your employee base.

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Contact Info:
Spokesperson: Aflac Incorporated
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SOURCE: Aflac Incorporated

View source version on accesswire.com:
https://www.accesswire.com/749515/How-Aflac-Is-Winning-at-Employee-Retention-and-Getting-Workers-Back-to-the-Office-On-Site-Doctors-Therapists-and-Childcare

FAQ

What strategies is Aflac using to improve employee retention?

Aflac is focusing on traditional benefits, such as on-site healthcare services, to encourage employee retention and office return.

How many employees does Aflac have?

Aflac has a workforce of 12,000 employees.

What does Aflac's CHRO say about employee benefits understanding?

CHRO Matthew Owenby states that most employees spend less than 30 minutes a year determining their benefits.

When does Aflac suggest communicating about employee benefits?

Aflac recommends ongoing communication about benefits beyond the annual enrollment period.

How does Aflac's benefits strategy relate to post-COVID workplace dynamics?

Aflac's strategy aims to address employee needs for financial stability and exposure in a post-COVID world.