Welcome back! 👋🏼 It’s your go-to guru on all things benefits, Clarity Claire!
Open enrollment season can sometimes feel like navigating a complex labyrinth of benefit options and decisions. As an HR professional, it's your task to guide your clients and employees through open enrollment season, and one of the most effective tools in your arsenal is clear and simple plain language communication.
In this blog, we'll explore the art of plain language communication during open enrollment and provide you with practical tips to make the benefits selection process smoother and more accessible for everyone involved.
Let’s get started!
The Importance of Plain Language Communication
Imagine this: according to a recent survey, nearly 80% of employees say they don’t fully understand their benefits, while 55% of employees feel overwhelmed by the benefits selection process during open enrollment.
A major contributing factor may be a lack of clear and concise communication. These statistics underscore just how vital it is for HR professionals to communicate benefits information in a way that is easy to understand and navigate.
When benefits are easy to comprehend, select, and use, employees have greater peace of mind knowing they're protected, which in turn, reflects positively on your organization’s culture and company morale. This is something that should be on every HR professional’s mind considering 77% of candidates consider a company’s culture before seeking employment!
But don’t worry! There are simple plain language communication strategies you can use to help educate employees and navigate the benefits maze like a pro!
Tips for Good Communication
- Clear Layout of Plan Options and Contributions
One of the primary sources of confusion during open enrollment is the lack of clarity about available benefit plans and their associated costs. Present your benefit options in a simple and organized manner. Use tables, charts, and bullet points to break down each plan's features, costs, and employer contributions. Visual aids like infographics can also enhance understanding of benefits selection.
- Early Distribution of Information
Don't wait until the last minute to share benefit information during open enrollment season. Send out the options well in advance, allowing employees ample time to review and consider their choices. This approach minimizes decision-making pressure and encourages employees to make informed selections on their own terms.
- Follow-Up Strategy
As the enrollment deadline approaches, implement a proactive follow-up plan for those who have yet to enroll. Send reminders and offer assistance to ensure that everyone's benefits selection and choices are submitted in a timely manner. This strategy shows you care about their well-being and helps avoid last-minute rushes.
- Personalization Matters
People appreciate a personalized touch. Address employees by their names in all communications and provide them with information relevant to their specific life situations. Tailor your messaging to different demographics, such as single employees, those with families, or those nearing retirement. This personal touch demonstrates that you understand their needs and will help guide employees more smoothly through the open enrollment process.
- Technical Support Resources
Make it crystal clear where employees can turn for technical assistance. Provide contact information for IT support or helplines to address any technical issues they might encounter while navigating the enrollment platform.
- Decision-Making Guidance
Offer resources for decision-making guidance. Whether it's toolkits, webinars, flyers, or frequently asked questions (FAQs), give employees access to information that can help them make informed decisions about their benefits selections.
- Additional Information Hub
Create a centralized hub for additional information. This could be an intranet page or a dedicated section of your HR portal where employees can find detailed explanations of terms, coverage options, and FAQs.
Simplifying Choices & Amplifying Voices: The Power of Clear Communication
Navigating the open enrollment process doesn't have to be an overwhelming task. By prioritizing clear, plain language communication, you can simplify the benefits selection process, alleviate stress, and ensure employees feel seen and heard.
Remember, the goal is to make benefit selection a smooth and informed experience for everyone involved. As HR professionals, your ability to communicate effectively is a powerful tool that can lead to happier employees, more satisfied clients, and a successful open enrollment season.
So let's make open enrollment season less of a maze and more of a straightforward path to understanding and choosing the right benefits for each individual. By implementing these plain language communication tips, you'll transform a potentially bewildering benefits selection process into an opportunity for education, engagement, and empowerment.
Until we meet again, my benefit maze-masters!
-Clarity Claire
