2019 is here and it’s time to start the year fresh with new goals, initiatives and strategies for success. Are you curious about what’s on the horizon for benefits administration in 2019? If so, we’ve got everything you need to know in our annual Benefits Trends report.

In part 3 of our 3 part series, we’ll cover everything you need to know about benefits technology trends for 2019. Be sure to download our full Benefits Trends Report for an in-depth look at the top 9 trends that will define this year.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence is poised to have a dramatic impact on multiple industries over the next few years. For health care specifically, several companies are already revolutionizing the way we process data, diagnose conditions and approach treatment through more convenient and efficient technology.

Use Cases for AI in Employee Benefits

Decision support

Employee engagement

Cost reduction

Personalization

Predictive analytics

From an employee benefit and HR perspective, more technology companies are adopting and incorporating AI into solutions to better engage and support employees throughout the entire career lifecycle, from recruiting and engagement to benefits support and more. AI also unlocks greater potential in the data analysis arena, which could eventually lead to more powerful data analytics and forecasting.

Decision Support Tools and Technology

As employee benefits grow in cost and complexity, employees feel less and less confident about making informed decisions. Recent data demonstrates just how uncomfortable many employees feel about making one of their most expensive annual decisions.

49% Employees that say making health insurance decisions is ‘always very stressful’

36% Employees that say benefits open enrollment is ‘extremely confusing’

55% Employees that say they would like help from their employers when choosing a plan

If you’re worried that employees will be hesitant to adopt decisions support, note that 88.8% of employees in a Pacific Benefits survey felt that decision support tools were at least ‘somewhat effective’. And, a Jellyvision report cited that 79% of employees believe their company has their best interests at heart when providing information on benefits.

Mobile-Friendly Benefits

More than 70% of online time in the U.S. is spent on mobile devices, and that number is rapidly growing. Despite the growth in screentime across the board, consumer behavior hasn’t quite caught up in the SaaS space for usage via mobile.

Why Mobile For Benefits?

On-demand access on any device

Seamless document upload and proof of insurance

Text message alerts for HR

Almost 50% of U.S. residents access the internet via a mobile device on a regular basis. But, many benefits enrollment and education systems are also behind the curve on embracing mobile, resulting in a lackluster enrollment experience.

Even if your employees aren’t ready to complete their benefits enrollment from start to finish on their mobile device, offering a fully mobile-friendly (responsive) benefits experience has other benefits. And, embracing mobile isn’t limited ot just the benefits shopping and enrollment experience. Text message alerts, a mobile-friendly benefits website and even a benefits mobile app are ways your company can take a mobile-first approach to benefits.

Be sure to download our full Benefits Trends Report for an in-depth look at the top 9 trends that will define this year.