Taking care of employees is crucial for attracting and retaining top-tier talent. A progressive company culture, competitive salaries, and traditional benefits will always be a strong foundation for a...
It is common knowledge that offering robust health benefits options is an effective employment strategy. Consider the following statistics:
- The great majority (80%) of employers believe benefits increase employee productivity
- More than 3/4 (78%) of employers think benefits increase employee loyalty
- Yet less than half (46%) of employers reported documenting their communication strategy
In other words, while most business leaders recognize the value of providing attractive employee benefits plans, few of them realize the importance of communicating the details of those plans effectively.
Improved benefits communication can lead to a workforce that is better-informed about making health-related decisions and purchases. Improved utilization of benefits makes for a more positive experience for your employees and can ultimately lead to a greater return on your health benefits investment—but achieving that goal requires a top-notch communications plan.
If your employee benefits brokerage team has a communication specialist dedicated to developing and implementing benefits communication strategies for your company, you’re already ahead of the game. If your business could use some tips for improving your benefits communication tactics, read on for suggestions about designing a plan that your employees will engage with and easily understand.
Tip #1: Custom-Tailored Communication
Your communication plan should be tailored to your company and the people that make up your workforce. From employee demographics and geographic locations to internal resources and technology, taking the time to assess the factors that can influence your communication will help you develop an effective communication strategy.
A good place to start is by listening to your employees to determine how they prefer to be informed and then develop plans to tap into these resources when creating communications.
You can target segments of employees who would benefit most from specific features of a benefit by sending tailored communications. You can also customize how you send messages to employees based on your segmentation. For example, if your part-time and full-time employees have access to different coverages, it’s important that they receive the most relevant communication.
Tip #2: Communicate Via Multiple Channels
Not everyone likes to consume information in the same way. One of your employees may only use email for professional communication, while another may feel more comfortable receiving text messages about updates to their benefits.
Consider these channels for communicating your benefits strategy:
- Print Material
- Information Meetings
- Annual Statements
- Digital Communication
- Employee Benefits Websites Web Portals
Tip #3: Engage Your Employees with Proactive Education
The most effective and successful benefits programs are only further enhanced by education—both for leadership and employees. Through regular communication, give your employees tips on leading a healthy lifestyle that includes balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and regular health screenings. Provide information on the effects of smoking, obesity, alcohol use, and unhealthy practices that can lead to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stress, and depression.
Implementing or improving a benefits communication plan that supports and reaches all of your employees can be a daunting task, and many business owners and/or smaller HR departments simply don't have the time to find the right program and make it successful.
SWBC’s Employee Benefits Consulting Group has a dedicated communication specialist on our team who will take the time to learn your company’s culture and provide custom-tailored communications solutions that meet the needs of your unique workforce.
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