Here’s the truth—July might not scream benefits season, but that’s exactly why it’s your power move. While most employees aren’t thinking about their benefits, you’ve got an open lane to cut through the noise.
Today, 84% of employees feel confused about benefits, yet when their experience is personalized, 80% say they feel confident in their choices. That’s the power of personalization.
With proactive, tailored communication, you’re not just checking a box, you’re giving employees clarity and control. And that’s exactly what the 2025 Benefits Insights Report unpacks for HR teams like yours: how smarter, more personal engagement leads to better outcomes well before enrollment even starts.
Benefits aren’t a one-time event—they’re an everyday experience. The most effective HR teams are moving away from the “campaign mindset” and into continuous connection. Decision support tools, often misunderstood, are essential to this strategy. If you’re curious about common misconceptions, check out the 6 Myths Surrounding Decision Support Tools to see how these tools can truly drive year-round engagement.
The impact is real:
This isn’t about more emails. It’s about creating a benefits experience that lives beyond the portal – because that’s where your people are.
Nothing connects with people like a good story, it’s how we make sense of the world. The same goes for benefits. Want your employees to value what’s available? Show them. Picture this: An employee overwhelmed by benefit choices uses a simple tool to schedule a preventive screening—and feels empowered to take charge of their health. Or someone who, with the right plan, overcomes a financial hurdle they thought was impossible. These stories aren’t just feel-good moments, they’re proof. Want to spark these connections? Listen and communicate. The guide Five Things Your Employees Aren’t Telling You shows how storytelling can inspire action and make benefits truly matter. When we connect on a human level, everything changes.
Employees are busy. And distracted by summer plans. That’s why micro-education works best – quick, relevant touchpoints that don’t ask for too much attention. Think one-question polls where your employees already connect daily, like a team chat or internal platform. Pair those with short “Myth vs. Fact” messages or quick-hit videos that make common terms easier to understand. The goal isn’t to flood their inbox – it’s to build clarity without overload.
Confusion is the biggest barrier to using benefits effectively. But you can overcome it with the right tech: AI chat support for instant answers, simple plan comparison tools, and user-friendly self-service platforms. These tools help employees cut through the noise, make confident decisions, and take charge of their benefits. By making things clear and empowering employees, you ease the load on HR and boost engagement. Don’t wait for clarity—create it. Check out The Case for a Personalized Employee Benefits Experience to see how technology can create a more personalized experience.
Let’s be real – no two employees are alike, and your communication should reflect that. Personalized outreach isn’t just about sharing information—it’s about delivering connection and clarity. When employees feel understood, they’re far more likely to engage. That’s how you turn benefits from a checkbox into a conversation and spark the “aha” moments that actually make a difference.
Engagement grows when employees connect with trusted peers. Benefits share resources, answer questions, and spark real conversations where they’re needed most. Think of them as catalysts, turning benefits from a yearly obligation into an ongoing, relatable dialogue. Combine this with Activation Paths – strategies that reach employees on their devices, in team meetings, or even over coffee. Together, Benefits Champions and Activation Paths make benefits education part of your workplace culture.
You can’t plant in November and expect results. Engaging early lays the groundwork for smooth AE and smart choices all year. Every story, reminder, and tech-enabled nudge you deliver now builds a stronger, more confident team.
Need help creating a year-round benefits engagement strategy? Businessolver is here to help you grow a benefits experience that actually works—during AE and every day after.
