Workshop

Open enrollment communications just never, ever feel easy, do they? It's not the most exciting/engaging topic, sure, but it's so necessary (and many times, employees *have* to take some kind of action, whether they're changing their plans or not). Even when the changes aren't dramatic, it seems like navigating open enrollment can feel like a daunting, frustrating task for both HR teams and employees. But here’s the thing — effective communication is your best tool to make the process smooth, simple, and stress-free! Here’s what we’ve learned after working with tons of teams: 👉 CHOOSE THE RIGHT CHANNELS: Email is great (and should be your foundation), but cross-posting to Slack, intranet, and even SMS ensures your message reaches everyone—especially those on the frontline. 👉 MAKE IT CRYSTAL CLEAR: Employees need clarity! Make sure to break down benefits and changes with easy-to-read charts (I've attached a favorite example of ours) and step-by-step instructions. Bonus: Segment your audiences to personalize your messaging. One size doesn’t fit all! 👉 KEEP THE COMMS FLOWING: One email isn’t enough! Start two weeks before open enrollment and remind them at every step. (Don’t be afraid to send those deadline emails—people need the nudge! 💡) Pro tip: Using tools like Workshop to bundle and track messages will take your benefit comms to the next level. Not only can you cross-post to multiple channels, but you’ll also know exactly who’s engaged (and who isn’t). How does your team handle open enrollment? Drop your best tips below! 👇 #InternalComms #OpenEnrollment

I know it's SUPER CLICHE to start off a LinkedIn post with something like "let's face it, the world of internal communications has changed..." but seriously, it has!!! We all know the reasons: COVID, remote/hybrid work, the fact that internal comms are shared on social media, attention spans, employee engagement, you name it. To stay ahead, we have to have to have to take control of the narrative—and that starts with a strategic, thoughtful approach to internal comms! Here are some high-level ways to make sure your communications remain clear, intentional, and aligned with your company values: 1️⃣ Proactively communicate with intention. Share important updates before employees ask. You control the message and build trust simply by staying ahead of the conversation! 2️⃣ Make your comms human. People engage with people—not corporate-speak. Use conversational language, relatable stories, and even humor when appropriate to make your messages stick! 3️⃣ Diversify your channels. Meet your employees where they are. Whether it’s SMS, intranet, email, or video—use the right medium for the right message to increase engagement. (You'll never reach 100% of your employees with one channel, and you aren't supposed to.) 4️⃣ Create a feedback loop! Communication isn’t one-way. Build in mechanisms for employees to share their thoughts, ask questions, and get clarity. You’ll boost alignment and improve your messaging over time. (We love our survey & SMS features for this!) 5️⃣ Emphasize transparency. Don’t shy away from sharing both the good and the challenging. Employees respect leadership that’s honest and open, especially in tough times. When there's no news or updates to share, say that! 6️⃣ Be consistent! Consistency in tone, message, and frequency is key. It’s not just about what you say, but how and when you say it that builds trust over time. (And make sure that internal and external messaging feels aligned, so if it does get shared, it's not a surprise!) What would you add here/what often gets overlooked?