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The gap between what employees believe - and how they act - about the potential for an income - threatening disability

The findings highlighted in this report suggest that employees need to be better educated on how likely it is that an illness or injury could force them out of work and better prepared for what they can do to mitigate this loss. As an employer, consider these steps to help your employees realize the devastating consequences of a disability - and enhance their financial preparedness.

Educate employees about disability.
Workers need more of an education to: 1) correct the many misconceptions they hold about disability; and 2) learn about what they can do to lower their risk of its financial impact. An enlightening and easy-to-use online tool called the Personal Disability Quotient available from the CDA at www.whatsmypdq.org can help raise awareness.

Spell out existing benefits.
Our findings showed that workers have a poor understanding of their benefit programs and incorrectly think vacation/disability paid leaves will get them through an extended period of no income. Spend time reviewing what disability benefits you already provide, how each one works and the maximum benefit employees are entitled to receive from each one. Help employees determine their sources of post-disability income, and whether they will be able to meet their financial obligations in the event that a disability forces them to stop working for a time.

Encourage action.
Although the survey showed that workers claim "disability can happen to anyone at any time," they haven't taken any steps to prepare themselves financially. Encourage them to take charge of their own health-both physical and financial.

Partner with experts.
This study showed that overall knowledge for disability planning among workers is not sufficient. And judging by how few have taken action, it doesn't appear to be very highly valued either. Partner with insurance providers, agents, brokers and other trusted advisors who can help design, implement and communicate appropriate solutions to protect the incomes-and financial security-of your employees and their families.