As we look toward spring, it’s a natural time to consider what challenges the new year could bring. Are your employees prepared for the unexpected? In 2024, Iowa recorded a record number of 125 tornadoes. Unfortunately, many individuals were impacted. Each year brings unexpected challenges ranging from natural disasters like tornadoes to medical emergencies, car accidents, identity fraud, etc. In these moments employers want to be there with resources to help their employees overcome hardship faster.
By offering legal benefits, employers can provide their employees with the necessary tools and resources to organize essential information, prepare critical documents, and make more informed decisions.
Key Benefits of Legal Insurance
Delta Dental of Iowa offers small to mid-sized (up to 250 employees) businesses access to legal insurance benefits in partnership with ARAG, as part of our group insurance plans. A 2023 ARAG study revealed that 85% of individuals had experienced a legal need in the previous three years. Employees without access to legal benefits spent one-and-a-half times longer working through legal matters, impacting their productivity and stress level at work.
With legal insurance benefits, employees have access to:
- Proactive legal support to address common legal needs like wills, trusts, or powers of attorney.
- Identity theft protection to monitor and protect personal information and, if needed, access to expert help to resolve issues quickly.
- Caregiving support with resources to guide employees in the emotional and logistical challenges of managing the care of loved ones.
- Financial education and counseling services to offer guidance related to debt, budgeting, retirement, and more.
- Tax services to answer personal tax-related questions and prepare tax returns at a discounted rate.
The Business Case for Legal Benefits
From a business perspective, offering legal benefits is a strategic investment for an employer. Employees who resolve personal and legal challenges quickly experience less stress and distraction at work.
Nearly one million Americans will miss work each day due to the stressors of their job and personal matters. Nearly 20% of workplace stress is caused by the necessity to juggle work with personal concerns. Offering legal benefits to employees is a way to empower resilience and boost preparedness for dealing with life’s uncertainties.
From the perspective of a small business owner, legal benefits are a way to differentiate employment offerings and attract and retain talent by demonstrating a commitment to employees. Offering benefits from reputable companies like Delta Dental of Iowa and ARAG offers employees peace of mind that their benefits are reliable and comprehensive.
And so, as the year unfolds, encourage your employees to gather important information, establish critical legal protections, and prepare for life’s surprises. Access ARAG’s “Stuff Happens Organizer” to help employees organize their important legal, medical, and financial information all in one place.
By adding legal benefits to your employment benefits package, you can support employee preparedness, personal well-being, and create a more productive and focused workforce.
