How to Effectively Communicate Health Benefits to Your Staff in SNF/AL Facilities

As an owner or operator of a skilled nursing or assisted living facility, you know that offering a comprehensive health benefits package is essential. However, ensuring your employees fully understand and use these benefits can be a challenge. A recent survey found that 40% of employees don’t fully comprehend the health benefits their employer provides, which can lead to dissatisfaction and underutilization of important resources like telehealth, mental health services, and wellness programs.

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The Importance of Clarity

For many of your employees—who may be juggling caregiving duties, long shifts, and family responsibilities—understanding health benefits may not be top of mind. Yet, the clearer and more accessible the information is, the more likely they are to use it, leading to healthier employees who can provide better care for your residents.

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Start by simplifying the language used in your benefits communications. Jargon such as “HSA,” “deductible,” and “coinsurance” can be confusing, especially for employees unfamiliar with healthcare terminology. Use everyday language and break down each benefit category—medical, dental, vision, and mental health—into digestible pieces of information.

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Multi-Channel Communication

Your workforce is likely diverse, with varying levels of comfort with technology and different preferences for receiving information. Some may prefer email updates, while others might benefit from in-person Q&A sessions or instructional videos. Offering a range of communication methods ensures you meet employees where they are. Additionally, providing personalized tools, such as benefit calculators or wellness portals, can enhance understanding and engagement.

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Tips for Communicating Benefits Effectively:

Hold One-on-One Benefits Meetings: Group presentations can be overwhelming for staff, especially when dealing with complex benefit plans. Holding one-on-one sessions where employees can ask specific questions about their situation can lead to better understanding and higher satisfaction.

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Create Short, Visual Explainers: Visual aids like infographics, short videos, or digital pamphlets can make complex information more accessible. These can be sent via email or posted in common areas, and they are a great way to engage employees who prefer visual learning.

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Use Testimonials from Fellow Employees: Hearing how benefits have helped coworkers can make them feel more relevant and useful. Encourage staff who have successfully used telehealth, mental health services, or flexible savings accounts to share their stories with their peers.

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Offer a Benefits FAQ Document: Create a living document that answers frequently asked questions about benefits and regularly update it as new questions come in. This can serve as a go-to resource for staff and reduce the burden of repetitive inquiries.

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Provide Ongoing Education: Don’t make benefits communication a once-a-year event during open enrollment. Offer regular check-ins, refresher courses, or monthly tips to keep benefits top of mind throughout the year.

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At Compass Total Benefit Solutions, we not only help you build a comprehensive benefits package but also provide the tools and strategies you need to communicate those benefits effectively to your team. A workforce that fully understands and utilizes its benefits is a healthier, more engaged workforce.

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Ready to simplify your benefits communication? Reach out to Compass TBS for a free consultation, and we’ll help you develop a communication strategy that ensures your team gets the most out of their health benefits. Email Nick Cianci at [email protected].