Common challenges often hinder the open enrollment experience

Fragmented information flow is among one of the major challenges employees face during open enrollment. Whether it’s due to a lack of technological awareness among workers, or insufficient communication channels from HR to employees, selecting a strong benefits package may come with unexpected hurdles. With 21% of workers adjusting their benefits during this time, it’s important to identify where these inefficiencies may lie.¹

We’ve outlined some common bumps employees face while navigating their open enrollment benefits selection:

Tight Deadlines

• Open enrollment can cause stress for not only HR departments, but also employees due to strict deadlines. These tight timeliness coupled with “information dumps” often leave employees frustrated and overwhelmed by available choices. Clear, concise, and correct information will allow for employees and their families to easily digest their selections making them confident in managing their healthcare. Consider a silent period so HR teams can be the hero and make changes after the publicized open enrollment window closes.

Gaps in user experience and technology

• Flawed technology or even a lack in understanding tech creates a major gap in the selection process in this digital age. HR staff may be maneuvering outdated systems while employees are lacking proper training in their benefits selection platform. Specific open enrollment technology within HR information systems will help alleviate operational stress for both parties.

Benefit selection remorse

• Although employers strive to provide the best options available, employees are often left feeling as though there may be room for improved benefit offerings. Employers have begun closing the perception gap by leveraging comprehensive surveys and research specific to their workforces’ needs.

Employee benefit selection tools are key

Interactive platforms enabled by artificial intelligence can be a significant help to guide employees through the benefits decision-making process. At Securian Financial, our decision-support tool, Benefit Scout®, guides workers through their benefit selection journey. Features such as, cost calculators, claim scenario builders, and virtual chat counselors are at your disposal in this tool. 24/7. Seventy-seven percent of users agreed or strongly agreed that Benefit Scout makes it easier to understand workplace benefits.² Whether it’s a carrier provided tool or one created in house, promoting interactive education resources to employees can make all the difference.