The problem of disjointed international benefits is laid bare in the recently published Global State of Benefits Report 2025 by Ben.
The report reveals that many companies still use a fragmented approach, allowing local offices to handle benefits independently. This results in unnecessary duplication of work, inefficiencies, and missed opportunities to save money.
If your company is operating in this way, then now is the time to evaluate how your global benefits are managed. Here’s how you can simplify the process and get better results.
Need expert help in pulling together international health and protection policies? Set up a free consultation with one of our global specialists by contacting [email protected] or 01273 974419.
The challenge of managing global benefits
Ben’s report highlights the challenges of managing benefits on a global scale. About 70% of companies don’t have a unified strategy, and 23% let their regional offices take full control. This disjointed setup often leads to:
- Lack of communication between headquarters and local teams
- Overworked HR staff managing unnecessary procedures
- Missed opportunities to negotiate better terms or keep expenses low
At the same time, the cost of essential benefits like health and life insurance keeps climbing. Spending on medical care increased by an incredible 115% in 2024, making it difficult for many companies to keep track of their budgets.
How to fix your global benefits plan
Do you find it difficult managing your benefits plan? The solutions below can help make things that little bit simpler, while giving you a clearer view of costs.
Consolidate policies
A smart way to reduce inefficiencies is to consolidate your benefits policies. Instead of managing separate plans in every country, consider covering employees across multiple countries under a single international policy. This type of plan provides consistent coverage globally while meeting local requirements.
For example, if you have employee health insurance arrange country-by-country, you could pull them together under a single International Health Insurance plan.
It’s important to note that a one-size-fits-all policy isn’t always the answer, as it can be more expensive. Our consultants can give you can impartial verdict and even pull together a complimentary quotation to see if it would be worthwhile in your case.
Include a variety of policies
When updating your benefits strategy, consider including key policies that support and protect employees everywhere. Examples include:
- Health Insurance: An International Group Health Insurance plan guarantees access to high-quality healthcare, with local modifications made were necessary.
- Life Insurance: Standardised International Group Life Insurance brings peace of mind to the beneficiaries of employees in the event of their death.
- Income Protection: An International Group Income Protection plan ensures employees have financial security if they’re unable to work due to illness or injury.
- Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP): International EAPs provide mental health support, counselling, and other types of support, no matter where your employees are based.
You’ll be aware that health and wellbeing is a holistic pursuit. Therefore, it’s important that the key areas of wellbeing are covered in your benefits: physical, mental and financial wellbeing.
Improve communication and oversight
Technology has an important role to play here. HR systems and employee benefits platforms should be able to work seamlessly across borders. This dramatically improves your ability to track costs, review employee experiences and communicate seamlessly. If this isn’t yet the case, the sooner you’re able to fix the problem the better – otherwise the problem will be ever more convoluted as the company grows.
How an expert broker can help
Managing global benefits can be difficult, but working with an expert broker like Engage Health Group can make it easier. Here’s how brokers can help:
- Industry insights: Brokers provide you with tools and access to market data that helps keep your benefits competitive.
- Regulatory knowledge: They guide you through local laws and compliance requirements.
- Cost savings: Brokers with strong connections can get better rates and customised solutions.
- Simplified processes: Brokers streamline benefits, saving you time and reducing mistakes.
Taking the next step
The Global State of Benefits Report 2025 shows that many companies need to rethink how they provide employee benefits to global teams. With the right strategies in place, you can simplify the process, save costs, and provide better support for your employees across the globe.
Ready to take the next step? Engage Health Group can create a benefits program that truly works for your business and your people.
Contacting [email protected] or 01273 974419 to arrange a no-obligation consultation.
