Presenting benefits info to 3 common groups
December 22, 2009 by Christian SchappelPosted in: Communication, In this week's e-newsletter - benefits, Latest News & Views, Pay and benefits
How you present benefits info to employees is just as important as the material that’s being presented — and the most successful benefits pros know how to tailor their message to fit the needs of diverse groups of employees.
Here are some common species:
Bottom-liners
These no-nonsense employees don’t like fluff. So the most effective way to present info to — or answer questions from — this group is to be direct.
Concrete examples with tangible facts and figures work well with these workers.
Attackers
These employees tend to be more negative — they have no problem criticizing company initiatives and programs in public.
If an “attacker” comes to you with a gripe about changes you’re making to one of their benefits, show you care about the person’s concerns by listening. Then, if necessary, explain how the changes are meant to help them — or the company — long term.
Avoiders
These are the employees who want to do only the bare minimum.
They present a challenge to benefits pros who are trying to boost participation in company-wide initiatives — wellness programs, health risk assessments, 401(k), etc.
The key to success with this group is making things as simple as possible.
Example: Adding automatic enrollment to your 401(k) may be all it takes to boost participation among these workers.
Tags: 401(k), automatic enrollment, benefits, Health-risk assessments, participation, wellness
December 23rd, 2009 at 11:21 pm
Hi Christian,
There may be other types of people around.
How do you ensure that the different approaches will not confuse employees?
Thanks.
December 31st, 2009 at 2:31 pm
my company has done away with benefit meetingas. New emps are given a thick packet, a deadline to turn in everything and sent on their way. What do I end up with? A bunch of confused and unsatisfied new employees!!!! Anyone else in the same boat? Any ideas?
December 31st, 2009 at 3:17 pm
Cindy, Create a video of your benefits presentation and explanation of all your offerrings and an easy checklist for the employee to follow on what forms need to be turned in. Then when you give out the big packet, also give a copy of the presentation (CD’s are cheap). This way everyone gets the same message and you will significanly shorten the amount of time you spend one-on-one cleaning up the confusion.
January 4th, 2010 at 6:33 pm
Cindy, we do the same these days. I take a few minutes to give a quick overview, and I have written up a more detailed explanation (basically, it’s our FAQs for benefits). I offer to meet with anyone who has questions, and tell them they can call me anytime. New employees don’t feel so bereft when I offer them this kind of personalized service, and I find that I spend only a few minutes with any employee — knowing they can ask me anything at any time gives them a comfort level that allows them to actually read the material and make their own decisions.