This is the first in a two-part series offering open enrollment advice from top benefits advisors, HR leaders, and other benefits professionals. 

As we head into Q4 craziness, what's one piece of open enrollment advice you'd offer your fellow benefits advisors, HR professionals, or even overwhelmed employees? From ways to boost staff morale, to specific cost-savings strategies or communication hacks, here are actionable ideas and strategies that will make OE 2024 easier and more effective.

Let's be clear

"Open enrollment brings many challenges, but the complexity of the plan, yearly changes, and demographic shifts should drive a company's OE strategy. My advice to others for a smooth and successful open enrollment is to develop a well-rounded communication strategy. Below are the methods that have worked well for us.

1. 3 types of education meetings: virtual site specific, in person, and open virtual (for any employee or spouse). We typically conduct 40-50 meetings in total, because RBP requires it.
2. A well-thought-out email/broadcast messaging campaign. Concise content and consistent frequency is key.
3. Old-fashioned mail. We send one large postcard to the employee's home during open enrollment for two reasons: to remind them to check their email and to reach the spouse, if applicable.
4. Assign people on your team to call employees every day and remind them to complete open enrollment and provide instructions.
5. Send daily status reports to managers and ask them to help with reminders.
6. This year, we are doing a virtual benefits fair the week before OE with door prizes."

Jennifer Grace Pipes, SPHR, MBA, Director, Total Rewards & Employee Development, Denali