Open Enrollment Communication is Important: Here's What You Need To Know

Needless to say, the open enrollment period for any employee can be a stressful and time-consuming one. There are a myriad of different details to consider - from health insurance to vision insurance to health savings accounts (HSAs), disability insurance, and more.

That, in essence, is why prioritizing communication during the open enrollment period is so essential. If these benefits plans are designed to help your workforce, you need to guarantee they have access to all the information they need to make the most informed decisions possible moving forward.

Why is it Important To Have An Open Enrollment Communication Plan?

It's important to have an open enrollment communication plan because, as stated, this is a lengthy and potentially frustrating process. Every minute that an employee is spending worrying about issues like health or disability insurance is a minute that they're not devoting their full attention towards the job at hand. Therefore, if you can proactively answer someone's questions or address someone's concerns in a way that puts their mind at ease, you go a long way towards avoiding this type of stress for a lot of people.

How Should I Tell My Employees About Open Enrollment?

Generally speaking, communications regarding open enrollment start with the "why" of it all. Make sure that people understand why benefits have been structured the way they have been, and what your overall goal is as an employer in terms of what the benefits plan will accomplish on behalf of your workers.

You don't need to hold back any information about changes to your existing program that may be seen as negative. Employees are smart and they can take it. Be open, be honest, and explain your reasoning to get everyone on the same page and moving in the same direction.

When Should I Tell My Employees About Open Enrollment?

Typically, the best time to start communicating with employees about open enrollment is approximately six to twelve weeks before the period actually begins. Messaging should continue approximately four weeks before, along with one to two weeks before so that you can confirm everyone is armed with the knowledge they need.

How to Support Your Employees During the Open Enrollment Process

The best thing that you can do to support your employees during the open enrollment period involves simply making yourself available as a trusted resource. Send them email and text reminders that let them know how if they have an essential last-minute question, they can turn to you for an answer. Make them aware that if they have a concern, you will do what it takes to address it. All of this goes a long way towards guaranteeing not only the success of the program, but of your larger business as well.

At BIS Benefits, we've been proudly serving clients in the state of Georgia for over two decades and are honored for the opportunity to do the same for you, too. If you'd like to find out more information about why communication is essential when it comes to the larger topic of group benefits, or if you just have any additional questions that you'd like to discuss with someone in a bit more specificity, please don't hesitate to contact the team at BIS Benefits today.