Strategic Open Enrollment: Part 2 — Drive Benefits Awareness and Participation with Better Communication

For many small businesses and HR teams, one of the most time-consuming and stressful times of the year is quickly approaching. Without a strong open enrollment communications plan, even a great benefits package can go unnoticed, leading to low participation, costly mistakes, and an inability to attract or retain talent.

In the second session of our three-part open enrollment webinar series, “Drive Benefits Awareness and Participation with Better Communication,” G&A Partners’ Regional Manager of G&A Beneficial Shelley Hopper provides expert insights, best practices, and tools to help you build an effective communication strategy that guides your employees through the complexities of the benefits open enrollment process.

In the webinar, Hopper discusses:  

• The critical role of proper employee communication cadence and benefits education before, during, and after open enrollment.
• How to break down complex benefits topics and help employees feel confident in their choices.
• How a diverse mix of communication channels and resources can extend reach to employees.
• An expert-created checklist to help you plan and prepare for your next open enrollment.

“Benefits are a key part of total compensation,” says Hopper. “If employees don’t understand how to use their benefits or what’s available, they may feel undervalued or assume the company doesn’t support their well-being, making them more likely to disengage or look for work elsewhere.” 

According to Hopper, inadequate benefits participation can directly drive up business costs, specifically administrative and insurance expenses. Also, when employees fail to engage with vital preventive healthcare and mental health resources, it can negatively impact their overall well-being and productivity. This often manifests as increased absenteeism rates, burnout, and higher claims.

G&A Partners is here to help. Access the full webinar recording below and download the presentation here. 

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