Final answer:
The 'Benefits' tab in an ESS system provides employees with access to their insurance plans, retirement savings management, and details of legally required benefits. It might also offer information on how to manage supplementary pay, workplace logistics like taking time off, and guides for navigating the office space and equipment.
Step-by-step explanation:
When accessing an Employee Self-Service (ESS) system under the 'Benefits' tab, employees can expect to find a comprehensive list of resources and options available to manage their workplace benefits. The 'Benefits' section typically includes information about employee insurance plans, particularly health insurance, and may further detail things like dental, vision, and life insurance policies provided by the employer. Additionally, this area of the ESS frequently encompasses retirement plans, such as defined benefit or defined contribution plans, and gives employees the ability to manage their retirement savings.
Another significant aspect covered under the 'Benefits' tab includes legally required benefits like employer payments to Social Security, unemployment and worker's compensation insurance, and other possible benefits such as Medicare. The section may also provide information about total compensation per hour, which includes not just wages but the monetary value of all associated benefits. Furthermore, some platforms may allow employees to handle supplemental pay matters, such as overtime, lieu time, and bonuses, as well as procedures for submitting timesheets and attendance.
For day-to-day workplace logistics, the ESS might offer guidance on workplace matters such as requesting vacation or other forms of time off, notifying superiors when late or sick, and managing times and lengths of lunches and breaks. There could also be details covering shared spaces, personal work area policies, safe area locations within the workplace, and how to use various office equipment or systems.