What's Happening?
Open enrollment for employee benefits is becoming increasingly complex, with many workers finding the process stressful and confusing. According to Corebridge Financial, 20% of surveyed employees struggle to understand the enrollment process, and over
half would have difficulty covering an unexpected $1,000 medical expense. Amanda Martell, director of human resources at LifeSpeak, suggests HR teams can use no-cost strategies to simplify benefits information, such as consistent messaging through emails, team meetings, and visual guides. Martell emphasizes focusing on what employees care about most, like predictable costs and access to preventive care, while equipping managers with concise tools to act as benefits ambassadors.
Why It's Important?
Effective communication during open enrollment is crucial as it directly impacts employee engagement and confidence in their benefits choices. With the complexity of benefits increasing, clear communication can prevent misunderstandings and ensure employees make informed decisions. This is particularly important as unexpected medical expenses can pose significant financial challenges for employees. By simplifying the communication process, HR teams can enhance employee satisfaction and reduce the administrative burden associated with enrollment queries, ultimately leading to a more efficient and supportive workplace environment.
What's Next?
HR teams are encouraged to adopt a phased communication approach, starting with early announcements and followed by reminders as deadlines approach. This strategy aims to keep employees informed without overwhelming them. Additionally, ongoing education and refresher courses outside the enrollment period can help maintain benefits information top of mind. Tracking engagement metrics such as enrollment completion rates and support requests will provide insights into the effectiveness of communication efforts, allowing HR teams to refine their strategies for future enrollment periods.
