Maximizing Education Benefits to Boost Regional Workforce Success
Employers increasingly recognize education benefits not as costs, but as strategic investments with measurable returns. Studies consistently link these programs to improved recruitment, retention, satisfaction, and productivity, especially as skill needs rapidly evolve.
The Detroit Regional Chamber, a member of both ACCE and CAEL, is helping employers unlock the full potential of education benefits. One example is its work with Henry Ford Health, a major healthcare center that offers an impressive tuition reimbursement program. In both 2022 and 2024, the chamber facilitated the deployment of CAEL’s Bridging The Talent Gap (BTTG) Employee Survey to assess how well employees understood and utilized education benefits (read the full blog story here).
The survey is a mobile-friendly tool that gauges employees’ education goals, awareness of available, employer-sponsored education benefit programs and their barriers to participation. It takes just 15 minutes to complete but delivers deep insight that can guide action.
Initial findings echoed a national trend: fewer than half of employees were aware of the education benefits available to them. In fact, the 2022 survey identified a lack of awareness as the top barrier to employee participation.
The 2024 survey expanded to a broader employee base, increasing participation by over 700%. Thanks to BTTG’s mix of standard and customizable questions, organizers could tailor the survey to specific workforce needs and trends. For example, the updated survey included new questions about employee interest in training for high-need fields like medical coding.
The results quickly translated into action:
- 30 team members enrolled in a medical coding cohort.
- 328 team members requested referrals to Michigan Reconnect, a state program that funds community college for adults without a degree.
- 493 employees requested support from the Chamber’s Detroit Reconnect education navigator, who provides institution-neutral guidance for adults returning to education.
That surge in demand prompted the chamber to seek funding for a dedicated education navigator to serve Henry Ford Health—and to explore expanding the service across other health systems.
Both surveys match another national trend: employees want to further their education to help them attain career goals. Based on work across the nation with chambers and employers, CAEL recommends these actions to encourage uptake of education benefit programs. By understanding and removing barriers, we can build stronger, more adaptable workforces.
- Promote benefits regularly via newsletters, meetings, or internal platforms.
- Simplify access with clear, transparent instructions and eligibility criteria.
- Offer flexible formats—online, evening or hybrid options—to meet diverse needs.
- Align offerings with career paths to show employees how education supports advancement.
- Recognize participation through awards or internal spotlights.
- Expand offerings beyond degrees to include certifications, workshops and conferences.
- Encourage peer learning via lunch-and-learns or knowledge-sharing sessions.
- Track participation and outcomes to continually improve impact.
For more information about the BTTG survey and other ways CAEL can support your chamber and employer members, please contact Doug Heckman at dheckman@cael.org.
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Recognizing that adult learners are the backbone of the U.S. economy, CAEL helps forge a clear, viable connection between education and career success, providing solutions that promote sustainable and equitable economic growth. CAEL opens doors to opportunity in collaboration with workforce and economic developers, postsecondary educators, employers and industry groups, and foundations and other mission-aligned organizations. Learn more at cael.org. |