The way we communicate benefit options is essential to the success of your employee benefits package, and how your employees use and understand their coverage. A recent Unum survey of 1,147 working Americans asked employees to review their benefits from previous years, finding that employees that rated their benefits communication highly also rated higher in satisfaction and loyalty.
Collective research also shows that employees need several means of communication in order to fully understand their options. It also suggests at least three weeks of benefits communication before annual enrollment so that employees have ample time to make decisions. Effective communication is a vital part of our interaction with clients and business partners—it is the driving force for sustaining successful benefit packages.
Here are a few ways that AFG communicates benefit options to employees:
- Open enrollment meetings—An Account Manager visits with the employee group, with the option to meet with specific employees individually. The Account Manager is there to explain options, answer questions, etc.
- Employee communication kits—Outlines coverage in easy-to-understand language. The kit belongs to the employee and can be taken home to share with their spouse or family.
- Call center for questions—There is always someone available to answer your benefit questions so that you can make the right decision for your staff, you or your family.
- Online enrollment portal—If your employer supports this feature, SmartBenefits Online allows users to compare plans side by side with decision-making tools.
How does your insurance agent communicate benefit options to your employees? Are your employees fully grasping the significance of their benefits package? Do they believe they have the resources necessary to support them in making tough decisions at their renewal?
Share your thoughts with us! If you are interested in learning more about what we do, contact Lauren Simonetti at lauren@austinfg.com.
Source: http://ebn.benefitnews.com/eletter/profile/15/4304.html?ET=ebnbenefitnews:e4304:2454586a:&st=email
