Open enrollment may seem like a long ways off, but today's top brokers are constantly on the lookout for tools and techniques to improve the process and make it easier on employers and employees alike. This short period of time can be make or break for a broker's business and lay the foundation for future growth.

Here are 10 tips to keep in mind throughout the year to help you prepare for open enrollment >>>

1. “While electronic enrollment is all the buzz and can be efficient, it is still overwhelming and people still want—and need—access to someone who can help them through the process.” —Bruce Hentschel, Prudential Financial Group

2. “Don't stop when open enrollment is over. One way to communicate regularly with employees about benefits it to leverage national events or recognition months, or continue the dialogue through financial education workshops.” —Ingrid Tolentino, Hyatt Legal Plans, a MetLife company

3. “Multiple communication strategies and touchpoints will help increase awareness and engagement. Encourage in-person interactions by using pre-enrollment reminders, such as posters and table tents. Then offer employees one-on-one access to benefit specialists.” —CrisDee Plambeck Voya Employee Benefits

4. “A mobile strategy allows employers to connect with employees on their benefits year-round, not just during open enrollment. This turns the underlying benefits engagement question from how to how often.” —Peter Mace, Hodges-Mace

5. “Don't overlook the critical need for life and disability insurance. Give employees every opportunity to help protect their income and take care of their loved ones during life's most difficult times.” —Steven Lynch, OneAmerica

6. “66% of workers think there is a 2% chance of being out of work for three months or more because of disability. In reality, there's a 25% chance. Many employees don't understand what they need and don't need. There's a wonderful opportunity to open the dialogue and offer holistic solutions.” —James Slotnick, Sun Life Financial

7. “While your clients may be using decision support tools already, persona-based decision support tools go one step further by layering in a way to provide employees with tailored messaging.” —Kevin McNamara, The Standard

8. “Bring benefits to life by showing how they can be used to solve specific challenges. Emotional, real-life stories can demonstrate how voluntary benefits work and how they've helped someone.” —CrisDee Plambeck, Voya Employee Benefits

9. “Open enrollment is a critical opportunity for employers to engage with their employees, but before they're able to do so, they must understand that employee health and wellness is a long-term, ongoing initiative. Consider shifting from a short-term, “check-the-box” approach, to focusing on the long-term impact.” —Dinesh Sheth, Green Circle Health

10. “Now that millennials dominate the workforce, they are driving the digitalization of benefits education and benefits communication…Optimizing benefits information and mobility to multiple screens will generate higher engagement and satisfaction.” —Elizabeth Halkos, Purchasing Power