IBM launches online pension reports

EXCLUSIVE: IBM has launched an online version of its pensions reports for employees.

Between 2 October and 2 November 2013, the new reports received 650% more views than all the views for the previous 12 months.

More than half (15,900) of the technology organisation’s 26,000 pension members now access the information electronically.

The annual reports, which were redesigned with communication provider Shilling, are designed to keep employees informed of the developments of its trust-based defined contribution (DC) pension scheme and two defined benefit pension schemes.

IBM’s previous pension reports were deemed quite lengthy and not naturally engaging.

The new reports enable employees to view a one-page website, which focuses on the current financial position of the pension.

The financial information is brought to life through animation and members can interact by hovering over certain elements and using drop-down menus to access more detail should they want it.

Steve Sykes, consultant at Shilling, said: “We wanted to push these reports to communicate more effectively with members by sharing the important information in a more dynamic and interesting way.

“Every piece of member communication should be an opportunity for meaningful engagement; a chance to improve member understanding and connect them more effectively with the organisation or, in this case, trustee ethos and objectives.”

Claire Murphy, designer at Shilling, added: “IBM was really receptive to our ideas of changing its communication platform, so creating a one-page website was easily the best way forward.”