While 49 percent of employers believed they communicated very to extremely effectively with their workers about company benefits, employees often disagreed:

• 65 percent of employees felt they were only somewhat prepared or not prepared for open enrollment.
• 52 percent said that their company had not communicated with them at all about the open enrollment process.
• 47 percent typically looked to resources other than HR/benefits professionals for advice about their benefits.

These findings were recently published in a 2012 Open Enrollment Survey.

To eliminate the employer to employee perception gap requires improved, more proactive communications strategies that get employees more engaged in the open enrollment process.  In turn, companies also gain improved employee engagement, and a healthier, better protect workforce.

Some employee communications best practices include:

• Survey employees to determine not only what they need and want, but to evaluate their understanding of the benefit offerings and their value to employees and their families.
• Communicate year-round, not just at open enrollment or during the hiring process.
• Online benefits portals
• Agent/broker enrollment sessions
• Employee newsletters
• Lunch-and-learn sessions
• Customized benefits booklets
• Frequently asked questions and other educational materials

• Market benefits offerings to employees to promote the company and engage and empower employees.

(Photo credited to blog.sparkhire.com)

DISCLAIMER: Because of the generality of this update, and based on particular situations, the information provided herein may not be applicable in all situations and should not be acted upon without specific legal advice, financial advice and/or the advice of a licensed insurance or certified human resource professional.

© Connelly, Carlisle, Fields & Nichols 2012