So you want to introduce health benefits to your team but you’re not sure where to start? Whether you’re running a small business or a large organization, a streamlined approach to introducing benefits can boost employee satisfaction and decrease turnover. The six steps below will provide you with a clear and actionable plan to successfully implement health benefits to your workforce.
Step 1: Lay the Foundation - The Overview
Before diving in, lay out a clear overview of what to expect and why it matters. Upward trends in voluntary benefits enrollment show that employees are interested in more than just medical benefits, the challenge is 80% of people don’t open their benefits materials and the rest don’t understand what their coverage options include.
Why it matters: This transparency will foster trust and reduce confusion and frustration down the line. When your employees understand what’s available, they’re more likely to make informed decisions and opt in.
How it works with Meridio: Collaborate closely with your dedicated Account Manager to thoroughly understand the coverage options available and the process to enroll. This will ensure you are well prepared for the initial kick-off before a licensed guide takes over to work with each employee directly.
Step 2: Onboard Your Workforce - Getting Started
Onboarding isn’t just for new employees—it’s important for your existing employee’s benefits enrollment too. A successful onboarding process ensures that your team is equipped to make the best decisions for themselves and their families.
Why it matters: Effective onboarding sets the tone for the entire enrollment process. By clearly communicating expectations and providing the necessary resources, you empower your employees to take ownership of their benefits choices. Proper onboarding will set you up for a profitable and efficient enrollment.
How it works with Meridio: Continue working with your Account Manager (AM) to establish a timeline and set expectations. Your AM will guide you through the necessary steps, providing you with the tools and materials needed to propel the success of the program.
Step 3: Provide Resources and Materials – Implementation
Say goodbye to complex paperwork and short deadlines. Employees crave simple and streamlined access to resources so they can find what they need anytime, on their own time. Remove the hassle and make it easier than ever for your employees to opt into benefits with one simplified resource.
Why it matters: A user-friendly tool reduces barriers to participation. When employees have easy access to benefits information and expert guidance, no one misses out on the opportunity to secure the coverage they need.
How it works with Meridio: Once you’ve registered your business, your AM will provide a link to your personalized Team Hub. This dedicated landing page is complete with various materials and communication tools needed to arm your team with everything they need in order to confidently enroll in health benefits.
Step 4: Share Alerts and Reminders — Communication
Continuous connection with your employees is key to a successful benefits implementation process. Whether it’s via email, newsletter, or text message, employees need regular reminders on the benefit options available to them so that they can sign up at a time that is most convenient for them.
Why it matters: Different employees prefer different methods of communication at different times. By tailoring communication methods to your workforce, you increase the chances of reaching everyone. Meeting them where they are, leads to higher participation.
How it works with Meridio: We do it all for you. Our system is designed to keep the lines of communication open—whether that’s through email, text message, or video meetings. This includes regular follow ups with educational content to catch new hires and those who previously missed their appointments without any additional steps needed from you as the employer.
Step 5: Educate Your Team — The Decision
The heart of a successful benefits implementation is helping employees make informed decisions. According to PlanSource 2022 Benchmark Report, 50% of those who read their benefits materials still don’t understand the coverage. For example, they might know they need life insurance but not understand the distinctions between term and whole life policies.
Why it matters: Employees today seek greater involvement in learning about their coverage compared to the past decade, especially when navigating deductibles and copays. Given that 1 in 3 workers will face disability at some point in their careers, it is essential for them to thoroughly understand their coverage options. This step minimizes confusion and leads to higher satisfaction and reduced turnover.
How it works with Meridio: Each employee chooses a date and time to schedule their needs assessment with a licensed benefits guide. During this meeting, our guides will help walk them through the coverage options available and assist in selecting the benefits that best align with their needs.
Step 6: Provide Continuous Support — Post-Enrollment
Whether you have W2 employees, 1099 contractors, or part-time workers, your employees might not all be ready to enroll in benefits at the same time. It’s important to continuously provide ongoing support and resources to arm your team with the information they need to enroll as soon as they are ready.
Why it matters: Enrollment isn’t just a one-time event—it’s an ongoing process. Providing continuous support shows your commitment to your employees’ well-being and ensures that no one slips through the cracks.
How it works with Meridio: Our standardized enrollment process catches any new hires and re-services employees throughout the year. Your dedicated AM will regularly review your team’s enrollment status while our Customer Care team will be available to offer additional support to your team as needed.
A Healthy Outlook — Paving the Way
By following these steps, you are arming your workforce with the tools and materials they need to understand the complex world of health benefits, helping to attract and retain top talent and enhance your overall business performance.
Working with Meridio can help take some of the guesswork and ongoing implementation and management tasks off of your plate, allowing you to focus on what matters most—the success of your business. Our everyday health solutions simplify the benefits process, from selection to onboarding to ongoing engagement, making it easy for your team to stay on top of their health benefits. Learn more about how Meridio’s benefit options can help your team work, play, and live better.