“A student is only as good as the teacher.” It’s our job to communicate benefits well to employees.
Communicating benefits can be challenging, but it is one of the most essential parts of a successful benefits program. How we communicate with employees about benefits goes with the old saying, “a student is only as good as the teacher.” Our job as HR professionals and benefits advisors is to find the best way to communicate with employees about benefits. With the complete implementation of the Affordable Care Act just around the corner in 2014, here are 3 major reasons why this year is different when it comes to benefits communication.
1. HR will require it. HR strategy will require better communication about benefits. Whether your company will continue to offer an employer-sponsored plan or send individuals to the health insurance exchange, communication is going to be key for employees to understand the strategic direction of the firm. Fail to communicate properly, and risk losing talent. Lose talent and undergo significant restructuring, and risk the confidence of your clients. Good communication–in all areas–is the key to successful business.
2. Employees will need it. Uncertainty about compensation (which includes benefits) can be detrimental to the morale and motivation of your workforce. Many employees may be worried about whether or not you will continue to provide an employer-sponsored plan or whether they will be responsible for going to the health insurance exchange. Just as organizations need to have the facts to plan for the next year, so do your employees. Proactively communicating with them about the firms strategic plan for benefits (when the time is right, of course) is key to providing them a unique opportunity to plan ahead for the changes. This doesn’t mean you have to share each and every reason for your decision–but it does mean you have to be clear and concise about the decision.
3. Legislation calls for it. From an easy-to-understand Summary of Benefits and Coverage to the (now postponed) Notice of the Exchange–one thing the Affordable Care Act does is emphasize communication about health insurance plans, how they work, and how they impact individuals. These requirements put pressure on organizations to communicate more effectively.
This year, when it comes to better benefits communication, remember that HR strategy requires it, employees need it, and legislation calls for it. As you make plans for the company in 2013–don’t forget to plan how these decisions will be shared with and communicated to employees.
What are your thoughts? Do you have an unique ideas for communicating benefits?
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