Editor's Thoughts.

Providing the benefits is 90% of the effort. Activating them is the other 50. Yes, the maths is questionable. But so is expecting a brilliant benefits package to deliver results when nobody engages with it.

That’s the challenge at the heart of this week’s EBnet Evolutionaries Conference: Benefits Activated. We’re moving beyond what’s on offer to ask what people understand, use and find meaningful.

Yesterday’s opening keynote live event with the Office of the Pension Funds Adjudicator and the FAIS Ombud surfaced a crucial ingredient: overcoming apathy. People, clients, members need to participate in their benefits and financial journeys, not just receive another communication.

Today’s episode of Health Hack SA makes that practical. Momentum Health’s Damian McHugh explains why a medical scheme is only one part of a person’s healthcare strategy. Prevention, chronic care, everyday choices and budgeting for unexpected costs all need a place in the plan. The key: get involved. (Sidebar: Catch Damian's talk: Healthspan as the new retirement risk, in the Speakers' Corner of the conference.)

Employers also have work to do. Nomie Nxumalo (MiWay) asks what happens after the wellness day. Can employees admit they’re struggling? Can they challenge an impossible workload? Activation needs an environment where asking for help feels safe.

The conference is your invitation to question, learn and participate. Plus you have the opportunity to guide the industry’s next evolution by voting for your favourite initiative into this year’s EBnet Evolutionary Awards.

There’s something for everyone in the effort chain of providing benefits, savings and investments for South Africans. Listen to industry experts. Explore the entries. Cast your vote. Because showing people their benefits is only part of the job. Getting them involved is where things get interesting. Click the link below to explore.

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