The job market is still dealing with the aftereffects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Workers are taking stock of their circumstances and considering which employment perks matter the most. Specifically, employees are increasingly more concerned about their physical and mental health, financial security and work-life balance than before the pandemic. Many employers have responded by enhancing benefit offerings to support employees.
Due to the high number of job openings, many employees are feeling more confident in switching jobs for better pay or improved working conditions. Some employers are attempting to combat this employee-friendly job market by raising wages and offering competitive benefits to retain and attract talent.
Employers should recognize that beginning their open enrollment efforts early in 2023 presents a massive opportunity. Early preparation can help show employees they are valued and convince top performers who may be seeking job changes to stay in their current positions. This article outlines how employers can prepare early for open enrollment, including surveying employees to determine which benefits they want, revamping benefits offerings to meet workforce needs, strategizing employee messaging and effective communication.
Tailoring Benefits Options
Employee benefits can serve as powerful retention tools. However, that’s only true if employees see value in these offerings. That’s why employers need to tailor their benefit options to include perks employees care about.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, employees sought perks that weren’t previously offered by many employers. These include benefits or arrangements that initially began out of necessity, such as remote or hybrid work arrangements and extended leave. Now, many employees expect at least some of these benefits to become permanent.
According to various surveys and reports, the following are some of the top benefits employees are currently seeking:
- Remote or hybrid work environments
- Flexible or hybrid scheduling
- Greater compensation
- Mental health resources
- Caregiving benefits
- Professional development opportunities
- Telemedicine
- Financial wellness resources
Employers should keep in mind that employee benefits are one of the top reasons employees join companies and stay at their jobs, according to insurance data. That’s why it’s critical for employers to find out which perks provide the most value for their unique circumstances. Adding or tweaking a few benefits could be the difference between retaining or losing top performers.
Moreover, gaining employee feedback ahead of enrollment shows a meaningful interest in their concerns. It can go a long way in proactively retaining employees by showing them that their quality-of-life matters.
Determining Key Messaging
After solidifying benefit options, employers need to plan their communication strategies. Such planning should include crafting key messaging. In 2023, this messaging might focus on new or updated benefits offerings, which will serve as incentives for employees to stay in their current positions.
By putting benefits front and center, employees will be forced to weigh the advantages of searching for new jobs against guaranteed perks. Employers should detail their benefit plan so employees understand what they would potentially be losing by changing jobs. Touching on these details is particularly important, considering that 1 out of 3 workers don’t understand the benefits they elected during open enrollment, according to Voya Financial. This means some employees may be job hunting for perks that they already have access to.
In response to the pandemic, there’s a greater need for employees to feel secure. Benefit communications should account for this by demonstrating how workplace offerings can protect employees. As employee needs vary, outlining different benefits can help them understand which ones they need and will likely use. Employees’ appreciation for benefits may improve when they can choose plans tailored to their specific needs.
Getting the Word Out
Ultimately, employers will need to spread the word about open enrollment and their benefit offerings. Countless surveys show that employees want more help understanding their options. This means an open enrollment communication plan needs to start early, provide ample educational resources and have multiple channels.
A quality open enrollment communication strategy may include the following components:
- Group meetings to discuss available benefits
- One-on-one meetings to go over any questions
- Multichannel communication methods, such as videos, printouts, guides, presentations, emails and comprehensive guides
- Periodic enrollment reminders, including enrollment dates and workplace-specific instructions
- Messaging that directs employees to designated points of contact for questions (e.g., HR)
Leveraging technology allows employers to communicate more frequently and effectively. With more employees working remotely, virtual enrollment may be the most feasible option for many employers, saving them time and resources. What’s more, the pandemic showed that the utilization of multiple virtual enrollment meetings and resources are more effective for educating employees about their benefits, including pre-enrollment meetings, email campaigns, digital enrollment materials and guides, webinars, videos and recorded benefit presentations made available throughout the year.
Conclusion
By preparing early for open enrollment, employers will have ample time to tailor their benefit and showcase all the perks they can provide for their employees. Doing so will help employers educate their workers, bolster their retention efforts and get a leg up on the competition in this challenging employment market.
Reach out to Webber Advisors for additional employee benefit resources, including enrollment guides, video messaging and presentations.
| This Benefits Insights is not intended to be exhaustive, nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as professional advice. |
