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Tuesday, 15 September 2020 15:36

Training Employees on How to Use Their Benefits

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With the fourth quarter rapidly approaching, many businesses are nearing “open enrollment” season for benefits packages slated to begin on January 1. (Additional information about open enrollment can be found in this video from FullHR.)

 

Something we feel passionately about here at FullHR is that employers and HR teams should be intentional in showcasing benefits options to their employee base. That’s a process that should start right now. HR leaders must take charge, educating employees on how they can truly optimize and take advantage of their benefits.

Educating Employees on Benefits Utilization

To encourage employees to participate in your benefits program, and to facilitate an optimal employee experience, we recommend a few basic tips.

1) Start raising awareness now.

Survey after survey finds that many employees know very little about the benefits offered at their place of employment. Thus, one of the most important things an HR professional can do is raise awareness. Start communicating with employees sooner rather than later, conveying to them which benefits are available; what is covered under these benefits; and how employees can sign up.

One thing to keep in mind is that one-size-fits-all communication strategies usually don’t work. Different employee groups will have different needs and expectations; for example, there’s evidence to show that younger employees prefer one-on-one communication with an HR leader, while more seasoned employees prefer digital communication. Try to accommodate both groups.

2) Focus on customization.

Different employees want different things from their benefits packages; some may simply be curious about basic medical, dental, and vision, while others will have questions about family insurance plans, health savings accounts, etc.

As you communicate with employees, emphasize the ways in which they can customize their benefits packages to more specifically address their personal needs, or the needs of their family. Help employees to understand the level of flexibility that’s available to them.

3) Offer employees a sense of security.

This year has been marked by high uncertainty, and many employees are feeling anxious about their family’s financial security.

Your benefits offerings can speak to these anxieties. If possible, offer voluntary offerings, like life insurance, disability insurance, and retirement savings accounts, to help employees regain some sense of security.

4) Talk about benefits throughout the year.

A final tip: Start consistently talking about employee benefits throughout the year… not just once open enrollment comes around. Keep your benefits options top-of-mind for employees. Remind them of the different benefits available, and how they can use them. For instance, given the stress and uncertainty of this year, now may be a great time to emphasize any mental health offerings.

Communication is Key

Communication really is the most important component of driving employee participation in your benefits program; and, of ensuring a positive employee experience. Communicate early and often, providing employees with everything they need to know about customizing, signing up, and utilizing their benefits.

If you have any additional questions, reach out to FullHR today. We’d love to talk with you further about designing benefits packages that your employees will genuinely appreciate. (And, be sure to check out our online resources related to employee benefits.)

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