Open enrollment season is right around the corner, which makes it a great time to think about your current process and how you can make it even smoother for your employees. While everyone has a different opinion about what to do, sometimes it’s also helpful to know what not to do. What mistakes should you avoid during open enrollment in 2025?
Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute to Plan
Too many businesses wait until the last minute to think about the open enrollment period, which means that they skip important steps and don’t offer employees the best possible experience. Make sure that you start planning at least 4-6 weeks before open enrollment actually starts. By planning ahead, you can ensure that you communicate clearly with your employees, have accurate benefits materials, and have a stress-free experience.
Don’t Use Complex Language
Using technical terms in your announcements and benefits communications might seem like a good idea, but most people don’t understand insurance jargon. Instead of talking about out-of-network co-insurance or HMO plans, break down exactly what everything means so that employees understand the basics, like how much they will be responsible for, what services are covered, and if their family members will get the care that they need. It’s also a great idea to offer a glossary of common terms.
Don’t Send a One-and-Done Email
Think of how many emails that you get in a day. Now, think about needing to scan through those emails for what is most important, which is what your employees are often doing every day. Instead of sending a single email with open enrollment information, make sure that you are communicating regularly and in multiple mediums. Emails, webinars, video tutorials, and even paper flyers and in-person meetings can help ensure that no employees are left out of the open enrollment conversation.
Don’t Treat Deadlines as Optional
Missing a deadline is one of the biggest mistakes you can make during open enrollment. Whether it’s the deadline for employee submissions or the window for changes to benefits plans, make sure that you understand final deadlines early in the open enrollment process. Additionally, make sure that you communicate deadlines early and often to your employees. If you don’t ensure that everyone is on board with deadlines, you can end up with extra stress, confusion, and employees who miss open enrollment entirely.
Don’t Assume What Your Employees Need
If someone has been enrolled for the past four years, they probably understand how to choose their benefits and what they cover, right? Wrong! Many employees don’t understand their benefits, and many assume that they will automatically be re-enrolled in their prior plan. Never assume that your employees don’t need assistance. Instead, offer targeted guidance and resources to help employees reassess their needs based on any potential changes to their lives.
Don’t Forget to Update Your Benefits Materials
Finally, make sure that you update your benefits materials before open enrollment starts. Even if plans have the same name or the cost isn’t changing, there are often small differences that can lead to plenty of confusion and frustration. Additionally, outdated rates and options can lead to employees selecting plans that don’t accurately reflect their needs (or plans that no longer exist)!
Are You Ready for Open Enrollment?
To learn more about how our team can assist you in designing and implementing attractive benefits packages, please call our office at 240-422-8799 or email Jessica Storck at Jessica.storck@tribridgepartners.com.
