For most organizations, the hustle and bustle of open enrollment is passed. If you have open enrollment coming up in May, this doesn’t necessarily apply to you at this time…
As the dust of open enrollment season settles, it’s still crucial for HR Directors and benefits administrators to ensure that their organization’s workforce remains aware and engaged with the benefits they’ve selected. You just worked so hard to communicate your benefits and you don’t want to lose that momentum.
According to a recent survey by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), employees spend just 18 minutes making 17 enrollment benefit decisions during open enrollment. This underscores the importance of ongoing communication to remind employees of the valuable benefits available to them.
What a waste it would be to get through all of this hard work just to have your organization utilize near to nothing…
How to communicate
Here are four effective strategies to keep your team informed and engaged with their benefits throughout the year.
Utilize Multiple Communication Channels
One of the most effective ways to remind employees of their benefits post-open enrollment is to utilize a variety of communication channels. While email remains a popular method, consider diversifying your approach by incorporating channels such as internal newsletters, digital signage, intranet portals, and even social media platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter. According to a study by MetLife, employees are more likely to engage with benefit information when it’s delivered through multiple channels, increasing awareness and understanding.
Host Regular Educational Sessions
Organize regular educational sessions or lunch-and-learns focused on different aspects of your benefits package. These sessions can cover topics like health insurance options, retirement planning, wellness programs, and flexible spending accounts. Invite representatives from your benefits providers to answer questions and provide personalized guidance. Not only do these sessions serve as valuable educational opportunities, but they also demonstrate your organization’s commitment to supporting employee well-being. Research by Aflac indicates that employees who receive ongoing education about their benefits are more satisfied and engaged in their jobs.
Leverage Personalized Communication
Tailor your benefit reminders to the specific needs and interests of your employees. Segment your workforce based on demographics, life stages, or even past benefit utilization, and deliver personalized communications accordingly. For example, younger employees may be more interested in learning about student loan repayment options or wellness programs, while older employees may prioritize retirement planning and healthcare coverage. Personalized communication fosters a sense of relevance and demonstrates that your organization values the individual needs of its employees.
Highlight Real-Life Examples and Success Stories
Humanize your benefit offerings by sharing real-life examples and success stories within your organization. Feature testimonials from employees who have utilized their benefits to overcome challenges or achieve their goals. Whether it’s accessing mental health resources, utilizing parental leave benefits, or taking advantage of professional development opportunities, these stories resonate with employees on a personal level and illustrate the tangible value of their benefits. According to a survey by Glassdoor, 70% of employees consider testimonials and reviews from their peers to be highly influential when making decisions about their benefits.
Communication is key
In today’s competitive job market, offering a comprehensive benefits package is essential for attracting and retaining top talent. However, the value of these benefits can easily be overlooked if employees are not consistently reminded of what’s available to them. By implementing the strategies outlined above – utilizing multiple communication channels, hosting regular educational sessions, leveraging personalized communication, and highlighting real-life examples – HR Directors can ensure that their organization’s workforce remains informed and engaged with their benefits year-round.
Effective communication is the key to maximizing the ROI of your benefits investment and fostering a culture of well-being within your organization.
Learn more about TrueConnect’s voluntary benefit that costs you nothing to implement and manage. We’re ready to chat when you are.
