Ron Collins
Tennessee Associated Electric

EASA’s most recent Management Pulse survey compared answers to similar questions asked in a healthcare and other benefits survey conducted in September 2014.

With the challenges of finding and retaining employees, the survey comparison of what has changed in the last five years could provide some clues to the future direction and employee expectations in those areas.

This year, 172 members participated in the survey compared to 114 in 2014. In 2019, 87% of the respondents indicate they offer health insurance to employees. This represents a slight increase from 2014 when 83% said they offer health insurance.

The chart above lists several benefits offered by EASA members comparing 2014 and 2019.

The survey demonstrated a decline in certain offerings. For instance, the survey showed a small decline of about four percent of responding companies offering vacation time between 2014 and 2019. Similarly, notice a six percent decline in offered bereavement leave.

However, these declines are partially offset by an increase in companies providing personal time off (PTO). PTO allows employees to use time off for whatever purpose they choose.

We also see a small decline in the companies that provide 401k plans by five percent.

Keep in mind that results in these two surveys reflect the responses of those who participated and do not necessarily reflect the offerings for all member companies. However, the results and comparisons might offer some indication of future trends.