During Open Enrollment: Keep Employees Informed and Elections Moving
Once open enrollment begins, communication needs to continue. Employees may have questions, need help accessing the enrollment system, or start their elections without completing them.
Brokers can help HR keep the process moving by reviewing progress, addressing common questions, and making each reminder easy to act on. The goal is to give employees the information and support they need to finish on time.
1. Make the Opening Message Clear
The opening-day announcement should include the enrollment link, closing date, benefit materials, and contact information for assistance.
Explain what employees need to do, including whether they must actively elect or waive coverage and whether any current elections carry forward. Make the final submission step clear so employees understand what counts as complete.
2. Turn Questions Into Helpful Updates
Check in with HR regularly to identify recurring questions. Are employees unsure where to find costs, how to add dependents, or how to confirm their elections?
Use those questions to shape short follow-up messages. A focused reminder or brief walkthrough can help employees move forward while reducing repeated questions for HR.
Make sure employees also know where to take individual coverage questions that require more specific assistance.
3. Follow Up Based on Progress
Review enrollment status with HR throughout the window. Employees who have not started may need a different message from those who have saved selections but have not submitted them.
Keep follow-ups specific and supportive. Explain the remaining action, provide the enrollment link, and offer help. Leave enough time to resolve access issues or missing information.
4. Make the Final Reminder Actionable
Include the exact deadline, time zone, submission instructions, and available support. Remind employees to review their selections and verify that enrollment is complete.
Before the window closes, identify unresolved issues and assign someone to follow up.
Consistent communication helps employees complete their elections with confidence. It also gives HR and brokers better visibility into what still needs attention before open enrollment ends.
