Many employees know they have benefits, but very few truly understand the value of their benefits package. When new hires come into the company, most human resource managers give them an employee handbook that goes over all that information and ask them to sign a sheet stating they have read it. In all actuality, very few even skim the pages. There must be a better way to engage employees in the benefits that are offered. Here are some tips on what you can do to help.
One-On-One Meetings Are Beneficial
With the increases in insurance costs, the out-of-pocket cost for the employee has also gone up. Today's employee is smarter about heath care options and they want a health plan that fits their budget. Unfortunately, many don't know where to even begin when it comes to selecting the right coverage. Some may not even realize they have vision/eye coverage, but it’s essential to those who wear glasses. Make sure these employees know if their insurance is accepted by vision specialists, like those at
All About Eyes, for eye exams and other important services. The company must help these, and other employees, understand their options. A one-on-one session where they can ask all the questions they need is often helpful. Some people need personalized attention in order for them to grasp the concepts and make wise decisions.
Videos Bring Understanding To Today's Technical World
These days everything seems to be about a video or clip. Why not bring the same technology into the office and use it for the good of the employee? Most employees are not going to sit and pour through a booklet, but they will watch a video. Videos can better communicate the company's benefit offerings in a way that the workers can understand. It's a convenient way to use, color, songs, sites, and sounds to engage with the employee about an important topic.
Have Question and Answer Sessions To Keep Employees Engaged
When open enrollment season rolls around, there are more questions than the human resource department can handle. Having a question and answer session will not only allow the employees to get all the information they need, but they can hear the other questions that are on their fellow employee's minds too. There's no reason why a company should not be transparent about benefits. Using videos, education materials and any other technology that the company has, it is easy to have a session that is informative and beneficial.
It is better to be proactive about employee understanding than to have angry employees who really did not know what they were signing up for. Health care coverage, as well as other benefits, are very important things. Because changes can only be made during open enrollment times, whatever choices they make will be with them for a year. Be creative and think outside the box when it comes to educating employees about their benefits.
