Top post-open enrollment strategies to boost employee benefits engagement

Open enrollment is an important time for HR professionals and employers, since it’s the moment employees make decisions that impact their health, finances, and overall wellness for the coming year. However, the work doesn’t end when open enrollment closes. Post-open enrollment strategies are essential for ensuring employees are engaged, informed, and set up for success. Below are some key steps your HR and benefits teams can take to make the most of this period.

Review and analyze enrollment data

Once open enrollment ends, it’s time to dive into the data. Analyze trends and participation rates to answer questions such as:

• Which benefits were most and least popular?
• Did employees take advantage of new offerings?
• Were there any significant shifts in enrollment patterns compared to previous years?

Use this data to identify gaps in communication or areas where employees may need additional education. For example, if health savings account (HSA) participation was lower than expected, you might plan targeted campaigns to explain their advantages.

Communicate key changes and next steps

Employees often forget the details of their benefit selections once open enrollment is over. Clear communication helps ensure they understand what’s next. Share information such as:

• Confirmation of benefit elections
• Deadlines for providing additional documentation (e.g., dependent verification)
• Instructions for accessing new benefits or updating contact information

Use multiple communication channels—emails, intranet posts, and even text reminders—to reach employees where they are.

Provide onboarding for new benefits

If you introduced new benefits or vendors, provide employees with the resources they need to get started. Host webinars, distribute user guides, or offer live Q&A sessions to help employees understand and use their benefits effectively. The more support they receive early on, the more likely they are to take advantage of these offerings.

Address common questions

The weeks following open enrollment often generate a wave of questions from employees. Common topics include:

• Clarification of coverage details
• Questions about deductibles, copays, or reimbursement processes.
• Issues with login credentials for benefit portals

Prepare your HR team with FAQs and quick-reference guides to provide consistent and efficient responses. A self-service portal or chatbot can also help handle routine inquiries.

Evaluate your open enrollment process

Post-open enrollment is the perfect time to gather feedback while the experience is fresh. Survey employees to learn what worked well and where improvements are needed. Questions might include:

• How easy was it to understand your benefit options?
• Was the enrollment process straightforward?
• What additional information or resources would have been helpful?

Use this feedback to refine your approach for the next enrollment season.

Promote year-round engagement

Benefits are not a one-and-done event. Encourage employees to engage with their benefits throughout the year by:

• Highlighting wellness programs and incentives.
• Sending reminders about key dates, such as HSA contribution deadlines.
• Providing ongoing education through newsletters, webinars, or workshops.

Check out our Benefits Buzz podcast episode to learn more about year-round benefits engagement.

Post-open enrollment is an opportunity to solidify the value of your benefits program and set employees up for a successful year. Subscribe to our blog to learn more about transforming your benefits season this year. Simply hit the “Subscribe” button above or submit your email address in the form below.

The information in this blog post is for educational purposes only. It is not legal or tax advice. For legal or tax advice, you should consult your own legal counsel, tax and investment advisers. 

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