As a business owner, attracting and retaining top talent is crucial to keeping your business operating smoothly. However, hiring the right skilled people is only half the battle. You also need to foster their engagement once they’re hired. With employee engagement rates currently at a concerning 34%, it’s important to identify opportunities in your business where you could improve. You could start by looking at your open enrollment options since that season is upon us.
Instead of approaching this upcoming open enrollment as always, look into ways to bring even more value to your employees. By changing the way you approach this season, you can show, not just tell, employees that their needs and well-being are a priority to you.
4 Strategies to Enhance Employee Engagement During Open Enrollment
1. Educate Your Employees
Open enrollment can confuse employees if they aren’t familiar with their benefit options. A 2023 study by LegalShield revealed that nearly half of employees lack adequate information about their benefits when signing up during open enrollment.
One way to address this with employees is to review the materials with them to ensure the benefit options are clearly explained. You can also host virtual or in-person meetings to answer questions and discuss the benefits offered in detail. By better educating your employees on the benefits offered, you eliminate confusion and give them confidence to make good decisions.
2. Offer Customizable Benefits
Employees are increasingly preferring more personalized benefits over generic options. Take the time to work with your benefits providers to create customizable packages, often called “cafeteria plans.” This will allow employees to choose the best option for themselves and their families. You might consider including discounts on travel and entertainment through corporate programs. These value-added benefits can wow employees while encouraging them to take time off and spend it with their family and friends.
3. Leverage Technology
Traditional open enrollment processes often involve lots of paperwork, something no employee enjoys tackling. When looking at your benefits package, also consider finding a digital solution that will streamline the open enrollment experience for your employees. A 2023 survey indicated that 64% of workers would consider leaving their jobs due to challenges during benefits enrollment. Ask yourself which parts of your process can be digitized. Could you use AI to offer personalized suggestions based on employees’ information? Moving any part of the process online will make the enrollment process more convenient and user-friendly for your employees.
4. Maintain Ongoing Communication
As a business leader, it’s tempting to view open enrollment as something that matters for a short period of time. However, effective communication about the benefits you offer should be continuous. Instead of waiting until the last minute, inform employees about benefits changes and important dates well before enrollment. Regular updates and reminders can help employees feel prepared and reduce anxiety. If you can, use technology to automate reminders through texts or emails.
The Benefits of Engaging Employees
By refining the open enrollment process in your business, you help employees make informed choices that benefit them and their families. When you take a strategic approach to open enrollment, you will see higher employee engagement. This contributes to a more motivated workforce capable of achieving small and large organizational goals. Investing in this aspect of the employee experience signals that you value your team.
