Posted on: October 22, 2025
Education benefits are one of the most powerful tools employers have to attract, retain, and develop talent. Yet despite growing interest in upskilling, many employees remain unaware or disengaged from the programs available to them. According to SHRM, professional and career development benefits are offered by 65% of employers, but participation often lags due to lack of awareness or accessibility.
With fall marking a fresh start for learning, now is the perfect time to re-energize your strategy. In this post, we’ll explore seven smart ways to boost participation in your education benefits—helping your workforce grow while maximizing your investment.
1. Simplify Enrollment
If your education benefits require multiple steps, approvals, or manual paperwork, participation will suffer. Streamlining the enrollment process—especially with digital tools and automation—can remove friction and make it easier for employees to take action. BenefitEd’s platform, for example, offers intuitive onboarding and real-time support to help employees get started quickly and confidently.
2. Promote Internal Mobility
When education is tied to career growth, it becomes a strategic tool—not just a perk. With BenefitEd, employees apply for a benefit through a branded, user-friendly portal tailored to your program guidelines—reinforcing the connection between learning and career progression. This not only boosts engagement but also strengthens retention by showing employees a clear path forward.
3. Offer Direct Pay Options
Tuition reimbursement can be a financial burden for employees who must pay upfront. Offering direct pay options—where the employer pays the institution directly—removes this barrier and makes education more accessible. This approach also simplifies administration and improves transparency for both HR and employees.
4. Leverage Strategic Partnerships
Partnering with accredited institutions and learning providers can expand your offerings and reduce costs. BenefitEd’s network includes top-tier universities and training programs that offer exclusive discounts and flexible formats. These partnerships make it easier for employees to find programs that fit their goals and schedules.
5. Personalize Communications
Generic emails won’t cut it. Use targeted messaging based on job roles, tenure, or learning interests to make education benefits feel relevant. Personalized dashboards, nudges, and success stories can help employees see how the program fits into their unique career journey.
6. Celebrate Success Stories
Nothing inspires action like seeing peers succeed. Share testimonials, case studies, and shout-outs from employees who’ve used education benefits to earn degrees, certifications, or promotions. These stories build trust and show that the program delivers real results.
7. Align With Organizational Goals
Education benefits shouldn’t exist in a silo. Align them with broader organizational goals—such as DEI, innovation, or retention—to reinforce their strategic value. According to research from SHRM, 76% of HR leaders say education benefits are critical to supporting diversity and inclusion initiatives. Companies that integrate learning with talent development and DEI strategies see higher engagement and stronger ROI.
Ready to Increase Engagement?
Boosting participation in your education benefits program isn’t just about promotion—it’s about removing barriers, creating relevance, and showing impact. By applying these seven strategies, you’ll empower your workforce to grow and help your organization thrive.
Get Started Today
Ready to boost participation and unlock the full potential of your education benefits? Partner with BenefitEd to simplify enrollment, personalize outreach, and align your program with strategic goals. Let’s make this fall your most impactful season yet—contact our expert team today.