Companies put a lot of effort into communicating benefits to employees during Open Enrollment. During this time, it’s important for employees to learn enough about their benefit options to make great decisions. But this brief window offers only a glimpse of the programs and resources available to employees every day of the year. Since benefits are used year-round, let’s talk about them year-round.

Most of us are aware of the basics of our medical, dental, and vision plans. We know what to do if we are injured or ill, but do we remember when to go to urgent care, how to use our HSA dollars, or whether our Life insurance beneficiary is up to date? Probably not. Gentle reminders and a steady flow of information spread throughout the year can help keep benefits top of mind. 

Keep It Fresh

A benefits communication campaign that incorporates a regular cadence of engaging deliverables sent at the right time and with the right message can help employees better understand, retain, and utilize important information, such as:

• The full extent of the benefits available to them
• Program dates and deadlines
• Helpful tips and reminders
• Where to go with questions

It’s best to avoid repetitive communications, so we’ve put together a few suggestions to keep your content and ideas fresh. Bonus: Showcasing your plans and programs in new ways can enlighten employees about the versatility and value of their benefits.

Variety Is the Spice of Life

No one wants to be bombarded with information. Break down your content to focus on one set of complementary benefits at a time. For example, if you’re introducing a new fertility program, you have the perfect opportunity to tie in benefits such as preventive care, an HSA, or your EAP. Or use a Pillars of Health theme—physical, mental, social, and financial—to focus on one aspect of your benefits package at a time.

Suggested deliverables:

Benefits at a Glance | Explainer Video | HSA Guide | Newsletter 

Season with Benefits

Take inspiration from the seasons or holidays and find ways to apply your benefits and programs to these times of year. If you have a wellness program, suggest ways to stay fit based on the season:

• Try a wellness program theme based on spring cleaning
• Promote healthy, summertime outdoor challenges
• Send reminders about the EAP or other mental health benefits during holidays when stress levels are at their peak

Suggested deliverables:

Benefits Hub | Hero Site | Newsletter | Poster 

Flavor of the Month

There are hundreds of nationally recognized holidays related to health and well-being. The wide variety of designated dates offer the opportunity to tie your benefits to a different one each month. Employees can then utilize the tools and resources connected with these events (while also benefiting from the year-after-year reminder of the programs available to them).

Have you added a new fertility benefit? Does your benefits package offer diabetes support? Do your employees have access to gender transitioning care? There are health awareness days and months for these benefits and so many more! Be on the lookout for our Benefits Communication Calendar for quarterly inspiration.

Suggested deliverables:

Benefit Campaigns | Flyer | Newsletter | Postcard 

The Takeaway

Employees can benefit greatly from communications spread throughout the year. By reminding employees of the resources at their disposal, you can meet their needs, save them time, and demonstrate the true value of their benefits.

You’ve got great benefits—keep the conversation going all year long!

But wait, there’s more! If you’re looking for even more tips for getting the word out about your benefits, check out The Recipe for Successful Benefits Communication: 5 Essential Ingredients.