The days of sending packets of benefits info to people’s homes are over.
Today, HR and benefits pros need to find new ways to connect to their workforce — especially younger, more tech-savvy employees.
One tool that works: Social networking Web sites.
Provide a steady stream of info
Social sites, like Twitter, aren’t just for posting what you’re having for lunch anymore. Companies are using them to boost open enrollment participation and educate employees about their benefits.
Example: Ikea uses Twitter to communicate the details of its health plans. Those administering the company’s plans write as many as 50 tweets at a time and use a Twitter feed to schedule dates and times the tweets are sent out.
Each tweet of 140 characters or fewer is packed with info and contains a link to more information:
- “If I don’t enroll in benefits now, can I do it later? Go here [link provided] b4 it’s too late.”
- “Choosing a medical plan? Costs are lower with an HMO, but you’re restricted on the providers you can see [link provided].”
Get employees more involved
Best Buy is another company that’s embraced social networking.
It launched a contest on its own social networking site — BlueShirt Nation — to boost participation in its 401(k) plan. It encouraged employees to create online videos about what the 401(k) meant to them and post them on BlueShirt Nation.
Result: By the time the contest ended three months later, participation in its 401(k) plan increased from 18% to 47%.
What are some ways your company has boosted participation levels or educated employees about benefits? Let us know in the Comments Box below.
