How Should You Communicate Benefits Information to Employees?
To uncover the secrets of effective benefits communication, we’ve tapped into the expertise of HR leaders, starting with a practical tip from an experienced HR manager. Alongside insights from industry professionals, we’ve also gathered additional answers that enrich the conversation, such as the innovative idea of sending mobile app notifications. From gathering employee feedback to engaging through technology, discover a spectrum of strategies to enhance your benefits communication.
- Gather Employee Feedback on Benefits
- Foster Two-Way Benefits Communication
- Provide Personalized Benefits Statements
- Create Digestible Benefits Infographics
- Set Up an Online Benefits Portal
- Engage With Quarterly Benefits Webinars
- Update Through Monthly Newsletter
- Send Mobile App Notifications
Gather Employee Feedback on Benefits
I would say actually ask your staff how they view their benefits packages and get active feedback from them, rather than just telling them what the benefits are. This way, you’re providing your staff with what they’re going to find most useful or effective, and you know that your budget allocation is effective in that the benefits (even something as simple as a gym membership) are going to be utilized because you’ve already got the opinions and feedback from staff from the outset.
Wendy Makinson
HR Manager, Joloda Hydraroll
Foster Two-Way Benefits Communication
Provide multiple opportunities for two-way communication about benefits to empower employees to ask questions and provide feedback about the information they receive. Give them regular Q&A sessions, request feedback surveys, or allow them to contact HR with questions through help desks or online forums. The more we listen to their concerns, the more opportunities they have to catch us when we make mistakes.
Also, the feedback you receive from employees shows them you listen and value their feelings. This starts a virtuous cycle of building trust and transparency within your organization. Listening to sage advice from your benefits committee, helping them clarify confusing areas of the benefits program, and hearing their feedback about the updates you make can lead to the continuous improvement of your benefits communication strategy: the information you send out is clear, presented in a way that’s relevant to your employee groups, and through communication platforms that meet their needs and expectations.
Sunaree Komolchomalee
Head of Human Resources, Cupid Digital PR Agency
Provide Personalized Benefits Statements
One effective tip for benefits communication is to use personalized benefits statements. At Alpas Wellness, we implemented personalized statements that outline each employee’s benefits package in clear, understandable terms. For example, during our annual open enrollment, we noticed many employees were unaware of the full extent of their benefits. By providing a customized summary that included detailed information on health insurance, retirement contributions, and wellness programs, we saw a marked increase in employee engagement and utilization of benefits. This approach not only clarified complex information but also made employees feel valued and informed, leading to higher satisfaction and retention.
Sean Smith
CEO & Head of HR, Alpas Wellness
Create Digestible Benefits Infographics
Creating concise, visually-appealing infographics can make complex benefits information more digestible for employees. A good infographic turns a hefty benefits document into an easy-to-understand visual that highlights key points. The use of color, icons, and charts can break down information and help employees see the relevance to their needs.
Make sure the infographics are updated regularly to reflect any changes in the benefits packages. Post these on workplace bulletin boards, and intranet sites, or even mail them home. Encourage employees to review the infographics and reach out if they have questions.
Set Up an Online Benefits Portal
Setting up an online benefits portal is a strategic way to ensure that information is readily accessible to employees at any time. An intuitive portal allows staff to easily navigate, update, and manage their benefits without the need to sift through paperwork. This portal can offer personalized views and recommendations based on an employee’s usage and needs, which can save time and enhance understanding.
Regularly updating the portal with the latest benefits news ensures that everyone stays informed. Guide your employees to register for the portal and explore the various features available to them.
Engage With Quarterly Benefits Webinars
Conducting quarterly benefits webinars is an engaging way to communicate the latest benefits information and answer employee questions in real time. During these webinars, benefits specialists can present updates, share best practices, and provide guidance on making the most of the available options. A live Q&A session after the presentation allows employees to seek clarification on specific points directly.
These webinars can be recorded and archived for those who are unable to attend the live session. Prompt employees to sign up for the next webinar and come prepared with any inquiries they might have.
Update Through Monthly Newsletter
Utilizing a company newsletter to send monthly benefits updates is an effective way to keep benefits information on the radar of employees. The newsletter can encapsulate any changes, deadlines, and relevant stories that illustrate the impact of the benefits on individuals within the organization. It’s a medium that both informs and engages employees, fostering a culture of well-being and support.
Additionally, including a section for frequently asked questions in each edition can preemptively address common concerns. Motivate employees to read the newsletter and ask them to give feedback on what additional content they would like to see.
Send Mobile App Notifications
Alerting employees to benefits information through mobile app notifications can be a timely way to ensure critical information is received. Quick, concise alerts can be used to remind employees of enrollment deadlines, changes to benefits programs, or available wellness initiatives. Apps are particularly effective for reaching employees who are often on the move or don’t regularly access the company intranet.
The immediacy of app notifications helps in maintaining benefits information as a priority. Urge employees to download the company benefits app and activate notifications so they never miss an important update.
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