Is this the message you're (unintentionally) communicating to your employees?
Dear Employee:
Congratulations! We're giving you just a few short days to read, understand and digest everything about your benefits before you have to make several important, educated decisions (all of which, by the way, will have a significant impact on your health and finances.)
Have fun!
If this sounds familiar, don't worry, there's hope.
Communicating benefits once a year at enrollment is like receiving the course textbook the same week of the final exam! Sure you have all of the facts and figures you need. But, there’s just too much to digest in a short period of time. So, how can we possibly expect employees to understand their choices and make informed decisions in this scenario?
What’s the alternative?
1. If you’re relying on print – LESS information, MORE often
2. Keep each communication short and focused on one or two key topics
3. Switch up the media to reach a broader audience
4. Make it visually appealing (that doesn’t necessarily mean expensive)
5. Keep content brief and upbeat. Don’t get mired in the details. Save the details for the SPD.
6. If you are considering a major change or new initiative, begin communications well in advance to help
prepare your employees and promote acceptance
7. Consider a live Benefits Web Portal**
o It can include a wealth of information that’s easy to use and always available when employees need it
o Encourage employees to access the site frequently
o Use blogs and social media, such as Facebook and Twitter for frequent updates and to establish employee “communities”
o Update content frequently and easily
What Are You Waiting For?
There’s still plenty of time to do a more effective job helping your employees understand and appreciate your benefits and encouraging them to integrate wellness initiatives into their daily lives before the fall enrollment "crunchtime".
For more information, simply contact us. We’ll help get you started.
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** To learn how XL-CONNECT (XL's new, dynamic HR/Benefits portal) can help you create more engaged, educated, healthy and appreciative employees, click here.
