Open enrollment season may be (or almost) over, but it’s just the beginning of an essential phase in employee benefits management: ensuring that employees use and benefit from the coverage they’ve chosen. This is especially important now considering that projections show that the cost of employee benefits will continue to rise year over year. Effective utilization supports employee well-being and financial security and maximizes the value of your investment as an employer.
How to Ensure Your Employees Use Their Benefits
Here are five ideas on how to encourage your employees to make the most of their benefits post-enrollment.
1. Provide Clear, Ongoing Communication
Many employees struggle with understanding complex insurance terms and the finer points of coverage. They may also need to be reminded of the full benefits of the choices they made. Post-enrollment is the ideal time for continued education efforts to reinforce key aspects of their chosen plans. Regularly share clear, accessible information about the specifics of each benefit, whether it’s health insurance, retirement planning, wellness programs, or one of the many voluntary products you offer.
2. Offer Guided Support Through Your Benefits Broker
Even with clear materials, many employees have questions unique to their situations. Partnering with an experienced employee benefits broker, like TIS Insurance Services, means your team has a trusted resource to turn to for one-on-one support. Our team is equipped to assist with coverage questions, claims navigation, and long-term planning.
3. Use Technology to Boost Engagement
Technology can significantly enhance benefits engagement by making information and resources more accessible. With the right tools, employees can access plan details, find in-network providers, and even set preventive care and wellness check-up reminders. TIS offers innovative employee benefits technology solutions, including the Healthee app. Through this app, your employees can manage your benefits, access to their Member ID cards, find information about their benefit package, and access telehealth services. Healthee provides a convenient place that empowers employees to stay on top of their benefits, helping them make healthier choices and, ultimately, reduce costs.
4. Promote Preventive Care and Wellness Programs
Many benefits packages include preventive care options and wellness programs, yet they often go underutilized. To ensure employees take advantage of these features, create incentives around them. Encourage participation in annual screenings, flu shots, and wellness activities by offering incentives or rewards like additional paid time off. By promoting preventive care, you can help employees stay healthy, reduce absenteeism, and keep healthcare costs down in the long run.
5. Hold Regular Benefits Check-Ins
Many employees make benefits choices without fully understanding how they align with their needs. Scheduling benefits check-ins throughout the year can help employees assess whether their current choices work well.
Partner with TIS Insurance Services Today
As one of Tennessee’s largest privately-owned insurance agencies, TIS Insurance Services is committed to delivering comprehensive benefits and superior service. From employee benefits insurance to claims advocacy and risk mitigation, our team is here to help you foster a culture of benefits utilization. Learn more about our employee benefits offerings here.
