SM Blog: » see older posts
- Sunday March 11, 2012
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The Winnipeg Art Gallery Presents...
American Chronicles: The Art of Norman Rockwell March 2, 2012 to May 20, 2012 - » Read More
- Sunday March 11, 2012
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National Exposure
In addition to speaking on current benefit trends at the HRPA in Toronto last month, Kevin and I were both published in National industry magazines... - » Read More
- Thursday March 1, 2012
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Jets Make a Big Splash at DU Ministers Dinner
Shane Hnidy (TSN - Retired Boston Bruin), Dustin Byfuglien and Zach Bogosian support Ducks Unlimited and the Oak Hammock March Interpretive Centre - » Read More
SM Benefits & Pensions:
Sell the Benefits Plan to Employees
Posted by: Kevin McFadden
To effectively communicate with employees, employers need to be flexible and creative and take a personalized approach to their message. Here are six ways to improve communications*.
1. Know the audience
Take the time to learn about your employees’ life stages, attitudes, needs and preferences, and collect and track this information. It can then be used to tailor your communications.
2. Get personal
Most communications are targeted to a mass audience; however, employees are more likely to act if the company personalizes documents, e-mails, etc. Use variables such as the employee’s name and life events like marriage or the birth of a child.
3. Be creative
Experiment with virtual benefits fairs and training courses to allow employees to connect with benefits representatives and learn about options when it’s convenient for them.
4. Mind the channel
Not all employees prefer to receive information in the same way, so deliver information through a variety of channels (direct mail, e-mail, online, mobile, etc.).
5. Educate
Wellness programs are key to reducing healthcare costs for both employers and employees, while improving productivity and reducing absenteeism. These programs should be clearly communicated to employees, who may not be aware such resources exist.
6. Keep it simple and relevant
Too many choices and too much information can actually impair an individual’s decision-making ability. Simplify by providing relevant examples and incorporating individualized data to explain employees’ options.
I always advise our clients that a benefits plan is only as good as it is understood. These 5 tips will help employers effectively communicate.
*sourced via Benefits Canada