Rebecca Morris
Want more tips for supporting employees during open enrollment and beyond? Download our new eBook on the Future of Total Rewards.
The pandemic has had a major impact on employees’ physical, mental and financial health, causing many to look more closely at the benefits available to them. With open enrollment season upon us and hybrid and remote work a continued reality, employers are exploring new ways to engage and educate their employees about their benefits offering.
Here are six tips for supporting employees during open enrollment season:
1. Communicate Early
Let employees know well in advance that open enrollment is coming. Summarize their benefits choices and any changes from the previous year so that they can start to think about their options. If you’ve conducted benefits-focused surveys and made adjustments as a result, let employees know that their voice has been heard and that the company has made updates to better align with what matters most to them.
2. Use Multi-Channel Approach
Employees are constantly bombarded with communications, so it’s important to develop a strategic rollout that caters to the different ways in which employees prefer to absorb information. A mix of channels, such as video, team messaging apps, direct mail, and text will increase the likelihood of your message getting through. Also, engage your managers to spread the word—they’re most connected to your employees’ wants and needs—and can reinforce the importance of your benefits program in 1:1 conversations, taking into account each employee’s value drivers.
3. Simplify the Message
Between all of the insurance jargon and density of information, benefits-related communications can easily become complex and overwhelming. Make your message as simple as possible and consider incorporating decision support tools and visual elements, such as graphs, charts, and infographics. Also, hold Q&A sessions to help employees understand the elements of each program and consider enlisting benefits brokers and other providers to facilitate sessions that are specific to their offerings.
4. Highlight New Benefits and Programs
Over the past year and half, many employers have reevaluated their Total Rewards program, with a particular emphasis on employee well-being. Open enrollment season is the perfect opportunity to highlight the benefits you’ve recently rolled out, such as mental health resources or a financial wellness program, so that employees have a complete picture of what’s available to them.
5. Encourage Active Selections
Rather than have benefit selections roll-over from the previous year, require employees to elect, renew, adjust, or actively decline specific benefits options. This helps ensure that their elections are aligned with their current needs and that they factor in important life changes, such as marriage or children. Each benefit that you offer—whether health coverage, child care assistance, or financial wellness—is an investment in your employees’ well-being. Active enrollment shines a light on each of these benefits.
6. Showcase the Value
4.3 million workers quit their jobs in August 2021 and an additional 41% of employees are considering leaving their employer this year. A record number of employees are making career transitions for reasons that extend beyond pay alone, including personal and professional growth opportunities, career mobility, an enjoyable work environment, and a mix of compensation and benefits that make them feel secure. Consider providing your employees with a transparent view of their total compensation, including all benefits, compensation and perks available to them. Communicating the value of your Total Rewards program can help you better attract and retain talent, improve employee well-being and productivity, and demonstrate a culture of care and belonging, all of which lead to positive business outcomes.
Open enrollment is a great time to help employees optimize company-provided benefits and convey the value of your benefits offering. A solid communication strategy can help increase enrollment in your benefits program and drive employee engagement and retention.
For more insights on supporting employees during open enrollment and developing a next-generation Total Rewards strategy, download our new eBook on The Future of Total Rewards.
