I recently came across a report by Benz Communications based on the survey Inside Benefits Communications.  A few months ago I wrote a blog on giving your employees the best chance to succeed through strong benefits communications.  As costs continue to soar, it is becoming increasingly important for employees to fully understand what your company offers them and how these benefits can help them (and help you keep your costs down).

At UECUwe use a phrase, “background of obviousness” when we start talking about things that we in the financial world easily understand.  We need to stop and recognize this to make changes so the average member fully grasps the information we’re sharing with them.  HR and benefits departmentsneed to recognize this challenge as well, and then find ways to cross the divide. 

The survey found that 78% of employers find getting employees and families engaged year-round as their biggest challenge.  Yet, the majority are not communicating with their employees year-round.  It’s easy for things to be forgotten without consistent reminders.  What can you do?  I’ll share a few of UECU’s secrets for trying to stay top of mind with your staff:

1.      Creating an Intranet page.  It’s pretty easy for our contacts to post a page for us that contains information on UECU and the financial wellness optionswe offer.  If your employees don’t really use your Intranet as a “go to” source for information, though, you’ll either need to consider a new place, or a way to increase the traffic to the site.  Maybe your company’s newsletter is more prominent, so this would be a better option for benefits communications.

2.      Make it matter.  Explain the benefits in ways that will mean something to your employees. Show them where it can help with detailed examples.  This will help them better understand their options and use what you offer.

3.      Help them feel important.  Make sure a representative who is familiar with the benefits you offer visits each location and is available to answer questions.  Try to make it more than just during open enrollment.  I’ve heard more than once that UECU is the only benefit provider that bothers to come to certain company locations and you can tell those employees are grateful for the attention.

There is obviously a lot more discussed in the report and I think you’ll find that you are not alone in your challenges and goals.  You really do not need a huge budget to communicate your benefits package to your staff, maybe just a different angle.

If someone was willing to help you with these communications, and maybe offer something for an email/newsletter/or Intranet posting, would you find it beneficial and use it?

Erica L.

Originally posted at: http://uecubenefit.uecu.org/