Open Enrollment: What Employees Need From You

Benefits may be one of your largest expenses outside of payroll. Open enrollment is one of the few times employees actively engage with that investment. Most employees aren't focused on renewal costs, carrier negotiations, or plan design. They want answers to a few simple questions:

• What's changing?

• Will it cost more?

• Do I need to do anything?

• When is the deadline?

• Who can help if I have questions?

Make the Message Easy to Understand

Many benefits communications are filled with charts, plan details, and insurance terminology. Employees often need something simpler. Tell them what changed, what action is required, and where to go for help. A direct instruction such as "Review your current elections and submit any changes by October 31" is usually more useful than pages of enrollment information.

Help Employees See the Full Picture

Employees often think about compensation in terms of wages. Open enrollment gives you an opportunity to highlight the value of your benefits package, including the programs and employer contributions that support employees throughout the year. Benefits are more likely to be valued when employees understand what's available to them.

Keep the Process Simple

The easier it is for employees to compare options, ask questions, and complete enrollment, the smoother the process will be. Reminders, straightforward instructions, and available support can reduce last-minute issues and help employees make informed decisions.

Open enrollment is more than a deadline. It's an opportunity to help employees understand their options. It also provides an opportunity to showcase the value of your benefits program and remind employees that compensation extends beyond their paycheck. If you need support with employee communications, benefit education, or enrollment administration, HR Done Right is here to help.