When you last launched or refreshed your benefits programme, did employees engage as much as you’d hoped? Or did interest fade soon after the initial launch, leaving you wondering about the return on investment?
You’re not alone. Research shows that 67% of UK employees either don’t know about or don’t use the extra services in their core benefits. It’s a reminder that even well-designed packages can fall flat if people can’t easily find or understand what’s available.
The reality is that benefits only add value when employees actually use them. And one of the biggest factors driving that engagement is the user experience (UX) behind your benefits technology.
Why UX makes the difference
Today’s employees expect workplace technology to be as intuitive as the apps they use every day. If a platform feels clunky or confusing, they won’t stick with it. But if it’s simple, fast, and personal, they’ll keep coming back.
That’s why HR teams need to look beyond the features and focus on how people experience the platform day to day. A good UX makes benefits feel accessible and relevant — and not like ‘another system to learn’.
With FlexGenius, Avantus puts user experience at the heart of benefits delivery. Our platform is designed to make it easy for employees to explore, personalise, and actually enjoy their benefits — helping organisations see real, lasting engagement.
Top 5 UX features to look for in benefits technology
To make sure your benefits platform drives engagement — not frustration — here are five user experience features every HR team should prioritise when evaluating employee benefits technology.
- Simplicity and clarity
Employees should be able to find what they need instantly. A clean layout, plain language, and streamlined navigation mean people can explore benefits confidently, without needing training or a manual. The easier it is to use, the more likely it is to be used.
- Mobile-first design
Most employees expect to access information on their phones. A mobile-optimised platform — ideally with an app-style experience — keeps benefits within easy reach, whether they’re commuting, working remotely, or on the move.
- Personalisation that feels human
Generic benefits portals are becoming a thing of the past. Personalisation — from recommendations based on life stage or wellbeing goals to timely reminders around key moments — helps employees feel seen and understood. It’s a small shift that makes a big impact on engagement.
- Seamless integration and accessibility
A benefits platform should fit naturally into the wider digital workplace. Single sign-on, smooth links with HR and payroll systems, and inclusive, accessible design are now essentials. Accessibility in particular ensures every employee, whatever their needs, can engage fully.
- Data and feedback that drive improvement
Great UX doesn’t stand still. Platforms should give HR teams clear insights into adoption and usage trends — and make it easy for employees to share feedback. This ongoing loop of insight and improvement keeps the experience fresh, relevant, and effective.
At Avantus, these principles underpin FlexGenius, our employee benefits platform designed to deliver a seamless, personalised experience for every user — and the engagement results to match.
The impact of good UX on HR teams
A strong user experience doesn’t just benefit employees — it makes life easier for HR too. When platforms are intuitive and accessible, employees can find answers and complete actions themselves, reducing routine queries and freeing HR to focus on more strategic priorities.
Good UX also helps HR demonstrate measurable value. Higher adoption rates mean a stronger return on investment, alongside improved wellbeing and engagement outcomes. Over time, this translates into a more compelling employer brand — one that attracts and retains talent more effectively.
How to evaluate benefits platforms with UX in mind
When reviewing new benefits technology, HR leaders should always look at the experience through an employee lens. A few practical steps can help:
- Test the employee journey: Log in, navigate, and try to access benefits as if you were a first-time user.
- Run pilot groups: Gather honest feedback from employees across different demographics and roles.
- Ask vendors about UX testing: How often is the interface reviewed and improved? What feedback mechanisms are built in?
- Consider inclusivity: Does the system cater for varying levels of digital confidence, language needs, and accessibility requirements?
Keeping UX front and centre ensures your investment in benefits technology leads to genuine engagement — not just a new system on the shelf.
Conclusion
Employee benefits only make an impact when people use them. To succeed, a modern benefits platform needs to deliver a digital experience that feels familiar, intuitive, and engaging — one that connects, inspires, and keeps employees coming back.
HR leaders who prioritise simplicity, personalisation, and continuous improvement will see higher engagement, stronger ROI, and a more positive employee experience overall.
Because ultimately, it’s not just about offering great perks — it’s about how employees experience them. And that’s where Avantus and FlexGenius can make all the difference.
