Employee benefits represent roughly a third of the typical individual’s total compensation package, so it’s in everyone’s interest that the terms, guidelines, and options inherent in those benefits are communicated clearly and with credibility.

That’s the rationale for developing a well-crafted, consistently executed benefits communication program.  Achieving this can take time and careful planning.  Here are some tips and best practices to streamline the path to success:

• Know what benefits your organization provides and how they work.
• Ask how your employees feel about your benefit program.
• Keep employees and beneficiaries informed of changes to their benefits, and explain confusing terms and features of the plans.
• Determine a communications plan and timeline, as well as who will prepare your benefit communications and the costs involved.
• Decide what type of communication will be most appropriate for relaying messages to employees.
• Sell your communication plan to your manager by determining HR and other benefit staff productivity loss due to employee confusion about their benefits.
• Set measurable objectives for how much money and time your communications will save.
• Prioritize compliance with government regulations and clarification of complicated issues, procedures and terms.
• Prepare and distribute communications to fit corporate objectives and employee needs.
• Target segments of employees who would profit most from specific features of a benefit by sending tailored communications.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of your benefits communications through employee surveys and revise as warranted.

The time and resources devoted to researching, building, and following through on a solid benefits communication plan can prevent confusion, delays, lost productivity, and even bottom-line financial results.  It is well worth the effort and can yield important returns to your organization.The Benefits team at The Reschini Group has more information on this subject and is ready to help your business benefit from an effective benefits communication plan.

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Copyright 2018 The Reschini Group The Reschini Group provides these updates for information only, and does not provide legal advice.  To make decisions regarding insurance matters, please consult directly with a licensed insurance professional or firm.