How to Better Engage Employees for Open Enrollment

As open enrollment season rolls around, it's time to talk about a topic that can make a huge difference in your organization: employee engagement. I know, I know—engaging employees during open enrollment can sometimes feel like herding cats. But with a few simple strategies, you can turn this often daunting period into an opportunity to empower your team and boost their overall satisfaction with their benefits package.

Why Engagement Matters

First things first, why should we care about engagement during open enrollment? The truth is, the more engaged your employees are, the more likely they are to make informed decisions that benefit both them and the company. Engaged employees are also more likely to appreciate and utilize the benefits provided, which can lead to higher retention rates and a happier, healthier workforce.

Start with Clear Communication

Let’s be real—benefits can be confusing. Between HSAs, FSAs, PPOs, and HDHPs, it's easy for employees to feel overwhelmed. That’s why clear, concise communication is key. Break down the options in a way that’s easy to understand. Use plain language, avoid jargon, and provide examples that are relevant to your employees' lives. Consider sending out an initial email that explains the basics and then follow up with more detailed information as the enrollment period progresses.

Personalize the Experience

One size definitely doesn’t fit all when it comes to benefits. Different employees have different needs, so it's important to personalize the enrollment experience as much as possible. This could mean offering one-on-one consultations, creating targeted webinars for different employee groups, or even just sending out personalized emails with information tailored to individual circumstances. When employees feel that their unique needs are being considered, they’re more likely to engage with the process.

Leverage Technology

In today’s digital age, there's no excuse for making open enrollment a paper-heavy, time-consuming process. Use technology to your advantage by offering online enrollment platforms, mobile apps, and interactive tools that help employees explore their options at their own pace. You could even consider using AI-driven platforms that can provide personalized recommendations based on an employee’s individual health and financial situation.

Make It Fun (Yes, Really!)

Who says open enrollment has to be boring? Consider adding a little fun to the process to boost engagement. This could be something as simple as a benefits-themed trivia game with prizes, or a friendly competition between departments to see who can complete their enrollment first. When you inject a bit of fun into the process, it can help reduce stress and make the whole experience more enjoyable.

Success Stories Speak Volumes

Nothing motivates like success stories. Share real-life examples of how employees have benefited from the different plans available. Whether it's someone who saved big on medical expenses thanks to their HSA, or a parent who found peace of mind with a dependent care FSA, these stories can help your team see the tangible benefits of making informed decisions.

About This Author

As a Partner Experience Manager, I work closely with admins to optimize their benefits offerings and improve the overall employee/employer experience. Through our company's innovative solutions, we strive to make the process of selecting and managing health benefits as seamless as possible. Connect with me on LinkedIn for more insights on maximizing your benefits and navigating the complexities of Open Enrollment.