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Employers
New benefits plan year tips for HR
The start of a new benefits plan year is an important time for HR teams. It’s an opportunity to align employees with the resources they need while reinforcing your company’s commitment to their wellness. Here are actionable tips to help HR professionals navigate this crucial period effectively.
Review lessons from last year
Before diving into the new plan year, analyze what worked and what didn’t in the previous year. Did employees engage with their benefits? Were there recurring questions or pain points? Use this feedback to refine your communication strategies and address gaps in your offerings.
Master the details of your plan
Familiarize yourself with every aspect of the new benefits plan. Employees will rely on you to explain options, resolve confusion, and provide guidance. Consider preparing an FAQ document and attending any training sessions offered by your benefits providers.
Communicate early and often
Start the plan year with clear, concise, and engaging communication. Utilize multiple channels—email, intranet, video tutorials, and town hall meetings—to ensure employees understand:
- Key changes to the benefits plan
- Enrollment deadlines
- Tools available to help them make informed decisions
Consider leveraging AI-driven communication tools to personalize messages and answer common questions in real time.
Host benefits education sessions
Many employees may not fully understand the value of their benefits. Schedule workshops or webinars to break down complex topics like:
Emphasize the total rewards picture
Highlight how your benefits program fits into your company’s total rewards strategy. Include benefits like wellness programs, mental health resources, and professional development opportunities to show the overall value of working for your company.
Simplify the enrollment process
A complicated enrollment process can frustrate employees and reduce participation. Partner with your benefits technology provider to ensure the platform is intuitive and offers features like:
- Decision-support tools
- Side-by-side plan comparisons
- Mobile-friendly access
Measure engagement throughout the year
The benefits conversation shouldn’t end after open enrollment. Use surveys, analytics, and regular check-ins to measure how employees interact with their benefits and adjust your strategy as needed. Continuous feedback will help refine your approach for future plan years.
Plan for mid-year adjustments
Life happens, and employees’ needs can change throughout the year. Ensure your team is prepared to address qualifying life events and provide support for mid-year adjustments without added stress.
By putting employees’ needs first and using AI technology and strategies, HR teams can ensure a smooth transition for employees and maximize the value of their benefits offerings. Learn more by subscribing to our blog. 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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