This September, Holmes Murphy hosted an Employer Experience Roundtable on Employee Communication strategies to explore the challenges and strategies for enhancing employee engagement, particularly during open enrollment. Our discussion focused on effective communication across multi-generational workforces, emphasizing the need for flexibility, personalization, and relevance.

Communication Counts

Our expert speakers for the event highlighted the significant shift in workplace demographics, noting that millennials and Gen Z will soon make up most of the workforce. These generations value flexible work schedules, personalized development opportunities, and transparent communication. Traditional employee benefits are considered table stakes, and companies must communicate beyond healthcare packages, focusing on modern needs like improved parental leave and mental health resources.

They also underscored the importance of evolving communication tools, stressing that text messaging, video content, and personalized messaging have become essential for engaging employees — especially front-line workers who may not access email regularly. Short, direct communication, such as 60-second videos or text reminders, can be far more effective than lengthy emails.

Both experts emphasized the importance of gathering employee feedback to tailor communications. This approach ensures that employees feel heard and understood. Utilizing “you said, we did” messaging can greatly enhance trust and engagement, showing that leadership values employee input. As open enrollment season gets underway, companies are encouraged to leverage diverse communication channels — like videos, text messaging, microsites — and to keep messages concise and relevant.

Elevate Your Employee Benefits Communication Strategy

In a rapidly changing workforce, communication is key to keeping employees informed, engaged, and satisfied. By embracing effective communication methods and addressing the unique needs of each generation, organizations can build stronger connections and foster a more engaged workforce.

If you want to learn more about maximizing your employee engagement, reach out today or sign up for our HR Connect Peer Leader Group and Employer Experience Roundtables!