Last-minute communication is part of every Open Enrollment season. No matter how much planning happens upfront, there are always updates, reminders, and final pushes that need to happen close to the deadline.

According to Microsoft research, employees receive 117 emails in a typical workday, and most are skimmed in less than a minute. Given this reality, every email and reminder must work harder to be noticed and understood, especially under strict timing constraints.

Why “Last-Minute” Is Part of the Process

Last-minute communication isn’t necessarily a bad thing, and it can play a useful role during Open Enrollment. Things change and details continue to evolve as the deadline approaches. For example:

• Carrier updates trickle in late
• Senior leadership provides final input
• Employees need reminders as key dates get closer

These late developments call for communication that’s clear, focused, and easy to act on, even when timing is tight.

What Works When Time Is Short

The most effective last-minute communication is simple and precise. Communication that meets these four criteria can ensure your message lands clearly:

1. Lead With the Action Needed

   Employees should be able to see what to do and when to do it within a few seconds of opening the message, for example:

   Open Enrollment ends Friday at 11:59 p.m. Log in to complete your elections now.

   Additional context can follow, but the next step should be immediately clear.

2. Focus on What Matters Now

   Keep the message centered on what employees need in the moment. It should address:

   • What’s happening
   • When is the deadline
   • What action is required

   Then include links to additional information and supporting resources.

3. Make It Easy to Scan

   Structure messages for quick reading, including:

   • Short paragraphs
   • Clear, attention-grabbing headers
   • Bold deadlines
   • Buttons instead of long URLs

4. Keep the Tone Supportive

   Urgency doesn’t require alarm. A clear, steady tone helps employees stay calm and focused on completing their required steps. Reminders can be as simple as:

   Open Enrollment closes Friday. We’re here if you need help finishing your selections.

   This approach reinforces the information while reassuring employees that help is available.

Make the Final Push Count

Open Enrollment compresses important decisions into a short window. Employees are reviewing plan options, estimating their benefits costs, and getting last-minute benefits questions answered.

The final round of communication carries significant weight. Clear, action-focused messaging at the right moment can limit confusion and help employees make their elections on time.

Last-minute communication will always exist, but you can plan it for maximum impact and effectiveness.

If you’re preparing for Open Enrollment and want communication that works at every stage, including the final push, CPI is here to help. Contact us by completing this form or emailing hello@commpart.com.