Most construction companies invest in Ontario employee benefits to attract and retain employees—but what happens when employees don’t use them? Many skilled tradespeople leave their coverage on the table because they don’t understand their plans or don’t see the value. That means missed opportunities for preventive care, financial protection and overall wellness.

As an HR or office manager, you are in a unique position to close this gap. The right approach can turn an underused benefits program into a powerful tool for engagement, job satisfaction and retention.

At AEC Benefits, we’ve been helping Ontario construction companies design benefits plans for nearly 20 years. In this guide, we’ll show you how to educate and motivate your workforce to use their coverage—so your investment pays off and your employees actually love their benefits.

Why Construction Workers Don’t Use Their Benefits

Many construction workers leave their benefits untouched—not because they don’t need them but because they don’t fully understand how they work. If you’re an HR or office manager, you’ve probably seen it happen. A good Ontario employee benefits plan is only good if employees actually use it.

One of the biggest problems is a lack of awareness. Workers get a benefits booklet when they start and then nothing. Without regular communication, many forget what’s available or assume the coverage is minimal. Then there’s confusion about coverage—especially for those who don’t know what co-pays, deductibles or coordination of benefits means. If employees don’t know what’s covered (or how to file a claim), they won’t bother.

Cost is also a barrier for workers. Many assume they’ll get hit with high dental premiums or out-of-pocket expenses without realizing their employer pays a lot of it. Without education on what’s free or low cost, they’ll avoid care altogether.

By addressing these barriers—through better communication, education and ongoing engagement—you can turn an underused benefits program into an important part of your workers’ lives. In the next sections, we’ll show you how.

Making it Easy: Clear Communication Strategies

Construction workers won’t use their employee benefits if they don’t understand it. That’s why we need to simplify communication. HR and office managers need to cut through the confusion with clear, practical messaging that workers can actually get.

Ditch the Fancy Words

Many benefits booklets are filled with insurance terms that mean nothing to the average worker. Instead of talking about group insurance plans, say “health, dental and vision coverage”. Instead of “short-term disability,” say disability leave that helps cover lost wages if an injury stops them from working. Clear language makes a big difference.

Use Toolbox Talks

A 5-minute benefits reminder during a toolbox talk can go a long way. Whether it’s explaining how pension plans help workers save for retirement or how maternity and parental benefits support pregnant employees, short in-person updates keep benefits top of mind. The more they hear about their employee benefits program coverage, the more likely they are to use it.

Go Digital

Most workers won’t flip through a booklet, but they will check their phone. Digital tools like text reminders, mobile-friendly benefits portals and short explainer videos can make a huge difference. A quick message like “Your life insurance is part of your benefits package” helps workers see the value of their coverage.

By making it easy to understand and accessible, you’ll increase usage and make sure employees get the health benefits and pension benefits they deserve—no matter their marital status or health reasons related to their job. Access to health insurance and employment insurance should be simple, and with the right communication, it can be.

Boosting Engagement: How to Get Workers to Use Their Benefits

Workers are used to dealing with problems as they come, but when it comes to health, waiting until something goes wrong isn’t the best approach. Encouraging employees to take advantage of preventative care, mental health support, and wellness programs means a healthier, more productive workforce.

Preventative Care

Many workers only think about their disability benefits after they’ve been injured. But regular checkups, physiotherapy and even dental cleanings can prevent bigger health issues down the line. HR teams should highlight how these services keep workers on-site and earning, not dealing with preventable health problems.

Mental Health Support

In a physical industry, mental health often gets overlooked. But many benefits plans include counseling, stress management programs and virtual therapy. If workers don’t know how to access these services, they won’t use them. Sharing real-life examples of how mental health support has helped other workers can make these services feel more relevant.

Wellness for All

A good benefits plan should support all employees, whether they’re in the office or on-site. Promoting fitness programs, nutrition support, and even smoking cessation programs shows workers that their health matters. These programs also create an inclusive environment where every worker—from new hires to experienced tradespeople, from a female employee in the office to a foreman on-site—feels valued.

From preventative care to mental health and wellness, proper engagement means workers get the most out of their benefits. Whether it’s knowing how a life insurance plan protects their family or using resources to stay healthy, small efforts in education lead to big improvements in benefits usage.

HSA & Claims Process: A Quick Guide

Health Spending Accounts (HSAs) are the most flexible and tax-efficient way for construction workers to cover medical expenses. Unlike traditional insurance, HSAs give employees control over how they use their benefits, whether for prescriptions, dental, physiotherapy or vision care. But if workers don’t know how to use them, these funds go to waste.

Submitting an HSA claim is easy. Employees pay for an eligible expense out of pocket, submit a receipt through the insurer’s online portal or mobile app and get reimbursed—tax-free. No need to worry about pre-authorizations or rigid coverage limits. A well-communicated HSA program means workers get the care they need without financial stress.

It’s the same with standard claims. Many construction workers think filing a claim is a pain, but modern insurers have made it easy. Digital tools allow direct billing at pharmacies and dental offices, while apps provide real-time claim tracking. Office managers should educate employees on these processes with simple walkthroughs, step-by-step guides or quick toolbox talks.

By breaking down the claims process and marketing HSAs as a flexible option, construction companies can increase benefit utilization so that employees are using their benefits to the fullest.

Get Your Free Quick-Start Benefits Guide

Getting your construction team to use their benefits starts with education. That’s why we created a Quick-Start Benefits Guide—a simple, easy-to-share resource for HR teams to help employees understand their coverage, file claims and get the most out of their benefits.

This guide covers everything from filing claims to maximizing HSAs and wellness programs—without the insurance lingo. Whether your team is on-site or in the office, clear communication will increase engagement and retention and make your benefits investment pay off.

📩 Download your free guide now and give your employees the knowledge they need to use their benefits!