This content is not AI generated but written by humans who like to use em-dashes.
It’s June, which means Open Enrollment is approaching fast. Whether this is your first, fifth, or fifteenth Open Enrollment season, the stress and anxiety always seem to hit differently. If you feel like you’re lost in space, radioing into a quiet control room as that T-minus countdown nears zero, we’ve got great news.
With over 30 years of experience in HR comms, we’re basically experts at getting the word out about OE. Run through our pre-launch checks below for a successful campaign.
Check 1 — Navigate Employee Wants and Needs
Take the time to discover and discuss how employees are feeling: Are they looking for special help or benefits? Are they worried about costs? What questions do they have about their options?
Use employee wants, needs, and questions to inform your benefits strategy and comms plan.
Check 2 — Boost Confidence with Cost Transparency
As health care costs continue to rise, don’t try to hide or sugarcoat the truth. Clear and transparent communication increases employee trust and helps them prepare for any changes. Outline options, cost changes, and discuss the importance of health and wellness as they relate to costs.
Check out our blog and free download on communicating change to get started.
Check 3 — Brief Employees on Voluntary Benefits
In addition to core benefits, ensure any voluntary benefits being offered are on point and communicated clearly. Provide cost transparency to employees on benefits like life insurance, critical illness insurance, and hospital indemnity insurance. Then be prepared to answer questions about how these programs work with the core offerings to support their total wellbeing.
And don’t forget to share details on other benefit offerings like wellness programs, mental health options, and financial planning benefits.
Check 4 — Chart Your Comms Course (Techy and Traditional)
Virtual communication continues to grow as more and more companies implement digital tools for their hybrid and non-desk workforces. Ensure employees near and far receive the most important benefits comms by employing online benefits portals and apps, video meetings and webinars, or texting and messaging platforms.
Of course, together with tech, traditional forms of communication still play an important role in your comms strategy. Engage your onsite employees through in-person meetings, posters, or even flyers on the restroom stalls. And make sure benefits information gets in the best hands by sending direct mailers to employee homes, allowing spouses and other family members to review what’s coming.
It’s all about reaching employees wherever they are.
Launch Your Mission with Write On Target
Last, but not least, we’re here to help you map your mission. If the checks above still feel overwhelming, or you simply have too much on your docket to handle the comms—we can take it from here. Just think of us as your personal Mission Control Center, here to ensure your campaign launches successfully and your OE comms land with all employees.
