The Hidden Cost of Underused Employee Benefits — and How to Fix It
- caroline32ellen
- Sep 11
- 2 min read
Every year, businesses across the UK invest thousands into employee benefit schemes – from health insurance to mental wellness apps, gym discounts, counselling services, cashback plans, and even step trackers with reward points.
These benefits are offered with the best of intentions: to support wellbeing, attract and retain talent, reduce absenteeism, and build a thriving workplace culture. But here’s the truth that too many businesses overlook:
🔍 Many of these benefits go unused.
📉 The Problem in Numbers
According to GRiD, a third (34%) of UK employers admit their staff don’t even understand all of the employee benefits available to them. And nearly half of HR directors say employees “don’t seem interested” in what’s on offer, according to People Management.
That’s a staggering disconnect between what’s being provided and what’s being used.
When benefits aren’t fully utilised:
You lose return on investment.
Employees miss out on tools that could genuinely support their health, productivity and happiness.
Morale, retention and workplace culture may suffer silently.
❓ Why Is This Happening?
Based on our conversations with HR professionals and SMEs across the UK, the reasons often fall into three key areas:
Lack of Awareness - Benefit providers may offer employee portals and posters, but without ongoing visibility, many staff simply forget what’s available.
Poor Communication and Engagement - A once-a-year email about a health cash plan isn’t enough. Employees need clear, relevant, ongoing reasons to use their benefits – and the motivation to engage with them.
Lack of Personalisation - Not every employee is motivated by gym discounts or digital health apps. Some respond better to community-led challenges, team connection, or guided support.
💡 So, What’s the Solution?
Awareness, Activation, and Accountability.
At Mojo Workplace Wellbeing, we work with businesses who already offer great benefits – and help them make sure their people are actually using them.
Here’s how:
We embed wellbeing into the culture of the business through challenges, team engagement, and behaviour nudges.
We help introduce, explain, and integrate benefits into everyday communication channels.
We provide education, incentives, and feedback loops that support employee motivation and employer ROI.
Whether your company uses providers like Vitality, Health Shield, Medicash, YuLife, or Bupa – or you’re just starting out – we can help you get more value out of what you already pay for.
📣 Your Next Step
If you’re an HR manager or business owner who knows there’s room to improve employee engagement with your existing benefits, let’s talk.
We’re not here to replace what you already offer — we’re here to amplify it.
👉 Message me directly or leave a comment below to book a short call or request a demo of how Mojo Workplace Wellbeing can enhance your existing setup.
Let’s make sure your investment in employee wellbeing is working just as hard as your people are.
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