Open Enrollment Communication: 5 Tips to Help Employees Choose with Confidence
Open Enrollment Communication: 5 Tips to Help Employees Choose with Confidence
Open enrollment season has a reputation for confusion—and not without reason. Between changing coverage options, new regulations, and endless forms, even the most organized employees can feel lost. That’s where clear, consistent open enrollment communication makes all the difference—helping HR teams guide employees toward confident, informed benefits decisions.
Why clear open enrollment communication matters
As new regulations and changing coverage options shape this year’s benefits season, many organizations are finding that employees still struggle to understand their choices—leading to last-minute confusion and missed opportunities for coverage.
Recent industry data underscores the issue. Twenty percent of employees find the enrollment process confusing, and more than half say they would struggle to cover an unexpected $1,000 medical expense. With nearly a quarter of employees feeling underinformed about their options, organizations that keep messaging simple and regularly remind people what’s available can reduce confusion, increase participation, and help employees choose the coverage that fits their needs.
“Open enrollment is one of the most critical moments in the employee experience, yet it’s one of the most confusing for employees and often treated as a transactional process by employers,” notes Jason Campana, CEO of LifeSpeak. “When organizations lead with clarity, context, and empathy—explaining why choices matter and providing individuals with the resources they need—employees not only complete enrollment on time but also feel empowered to take ownership of their wellbeing.”
“Open enrollment is one of the most critical moments in the employee experience, yet it’s one of the most confusing for employees and often treated as a transactional process by employers.”
Five communication tips to simplify open enrollment
1. Lead with the ‘why’
Start every communication by explaining what’s in it for employees: stability in costs, access to preventive care, and fewer surprises down the line. Save the technical details and plan mechanics for a follow-up message.
2. Make changes unmistakable
Clearly highlight what’s new, what’s increased or decreased, and what remains the same. Include essential numbers like premiums, deductibles, and mental health visit copays. Send an early reminder at launch and concise, deadline-focused updates as the enrollment period nears its end.
3. Spell out the default
Be clear about what happens if employees don’t take action. For example: “If you do nothing by [DATE], you will be automatically enrolled in [PLAN]. Here’s how that will affect your paycheck and coverage.”
4. Equip managers to communicate
Provide managers with a simple one-slide brief and a short script for team huddles. When managers share consistent messages, employees are more likely to start and complete enrollment on time.
5. Keep a single, living source of truth
Create one centralized, view-only document with deadlines, links, and FAQs. Link to it in every email and workplace communication so employees always have easy access to the most current information.
Why better benefits communication pays off
“Effective open enrollment communication goes beyond just sharing information—it’s about making benefits simple, accessible, and relevant,” explains Amanda Martell, Director of Human Resources at LifeSpeak. “When employees can easily understand their options and access the right resources, they feel more confident making decisions, and HR teams spend less time troubleshooting confusion.”
Clear, proactive communication doesn’t just simplify the process—it builds understanding and engagement. When HR teams frame benefits choices with clarity and context, employees are more likely to view their coverage as part of a larger wellbeing strategy, not just a yearly task.
Looking for ways to build stronger year-round communication around employee wellbeing?
The 2025 Workplace Wellness Report showcases how prevention-focused strategies and clear, consistent messaging can strengthen engagement and awareness across every area of employee health.
FAQ: Open Enrollment Communication
What is open enrollment communication?
Open enrollment communication is how HR teams share information about benefits options, plan changes, and key deadlines during the annual enrollment period. Clear communication helps employees understand their choices and take timely action.
Why is open enrollment communication important?
When employees don’t understand their benefits, they may miss deadlines or choose plans that don’t meet their needs. Effective open enrollment communication reduces confusion, increases participation, and supports employees’ overall wellbeing.
How can HR make open enrollment communication more effective?
Start early, keep messaging simple, and repeat key details across multiple channels. Empower managers to reinforce reminders, highlight what’s changed, and keep all information in one accessible place.