Summary: HR professionals and benefit managers share how they keep benefits top of mind all year long.
We all think about our benefits during open enrollment time. But what about the other 11 months of the year?
We asked HR professionals and benefit managers how they keep benefits top of mind.
Here’s what they shared: communication is key.
Make Communications Personal
When talking communications, Amir Durrani, a senior vice president of human resources, shared that his company offers a personal touch by partnering with a company that meets with every employee one-on-one to review benefits and answer questions.
Another benefit manager relies on a schedule that sends email with information specifically tailored for each employee. For employees that don't have a vision plan, the email will introduce them to vision benefits. She adds, "But someone that does have vision, they will get a slightly different email that speaks more to the benefits they have, or did you know that you could do this or this with your benefit?"
Make Information Accessible
Divisional HR Manager, Ted Pilcher’s company has an easy-to-access app for smart phones that includes not just benefits information, but also discounts that are available to employees.
Make Benefits Fun
Marsha Perry, VP of Human Resources, says, “I make it fun!” By gamifying the information through a benefits bingo, her employees learn more about the benefits they have by answering questions and participating in challenges.
Another HR guru agrees gamifying challenges with points adds an incentive to participate.
Benefit Engagement Tips from VSP® ForeSight™ Readers
“We have a teams channel where I consistently will post benefits/wellness events, interesting/helpful benefits information, etc. I also communicate on important benefits topics throughout the year and host benefits lunch & learns to educate employees.” – Maria Parsons, US Benefits Administrator, Seattle, WA
“We send out email blasts and have been releasing new benefit offerings post open enrollment that are available to all employees.” – Mellissa Tappen, HR Generalist, Poway, CA
VSP ForeSight is a free every-other-month newsletter with a focus on how-to, need-to-know, and what-if discussions with HR and benefit pros. Want to join us? Subscribe now.
