Whether it’s a minor change to existing benefits or switching providers at open enrollment, getting employees to understand the ins and outs of their benefits is always a challenge.
But it is a necessity.
In fact, 43% of employers believe a well-communicated benefits program actually reduces turnover – according to a recent RTi Market Research study.
Here are three proven – and low-cost – ways to make benefits education more effective:
1. Use surveys to tailor info. Scary thought: Research has found that many employees aren’t even aware of all of the benefits available to them. To prevent this, try surveying employees about your company’s benefits to get a feel for their awareness and understanding. Armed with this info, your staff may be able to make benefits info clearer to everyone.
2. Try year-long communications. Instead of the usual communications blitz at open enrollment, try educating your staffers on benefits throughout the course of the entire year. Example: Hold a spring meeting to cover the finer points of your dental plan, a summer meeting for vision benefits, etc.
3. Use a variety of tactics. Many companies make the mistake of relying too heavily on a single method when it comes to benefits communications. The best approach: Use a variety of tactics from e-mail to company-wide meetings to small group presentations with insurance brokers.
What does your company do to help employees understand the finer points of their benefits? Share it with us in the Comments section.