ARAG Advises Employers to Consider Three C’s for Open Enrollment

By focusing on the Three C’s, which are Cost, Choice and Communications, employers can do a better job of aligning business and benefits strategies.

Des Moines, Iowa (HRMarketer/PRWeb) November 19, 2008 -- The fourth quarter is typically benefits open enrollment season for American workers, but the current economic crisis makes this season anything but typical. Many employers are under pressure to control business costs and still provide targeted benefits that serve a diverse workforce. One of the ways that employers can address these concerns is to employ the Three C’s, according to ARAG®, a global leader of legal insurance.

“In today’s economic climate, it’s critically important for employers to offer competitive benefits that are cost-effective and responsive to the life stage and life style needs of a multi-generational workforce,” said Cameron Sutton, ARAG President and Chief Executive Officer. “By focusing on the Three C’s, which are Cost, Choice and Communications, employers can do a better job of aligning business and benefits strategies. This enables employers to balance costs with the business goal of attracting, motivating and retaining productive employees.”

In today’s economic climate, it’s critically important for employers to offer competitive benefits that are cost-effective and responsive to the life stage and life style needs of a multi-generational workforce

Sutton stated that workplace studies and human resources professionals point out the value of a strong benefits package as a competitive differentiator and contributing factor in employee satisfaction, loyalty and engagement. "Even great companies that perform research and analysis of benefits, evaluate employee needs and costs, and choose to offer outstanding benefits may fall short in one of the Three C’s – Communications. That can make a big difference in employee perception, participation and satisfaction,” Sutton noted.

ARAG recommends these best practices for more successful benefits open enrollment communications:
Communicate in clear, easy to understand language.
Communicate as often as necessary to keep employees well informed.
Use the right communication method(s) for your audience.
Take into account different learning styles and preferences.
Consider the effectiveness of group meetings, online education, print documents or other best practices to reach diverse audiences.
Actively listen, and answer questions and concerns.
Provide education, tools and resources. The trend is toward tools that are user-friendly and interactive.

Sutton said, “It’s important to communicate information about benefits throughout the year, not just during open enrollment. Employees who receive benefits information and communications to help them make informed decisions are much more likely to feel positive about their benefits plan choices.”

ARAG (www.ARAGgroup.com), a global leader of legal insurance, has an international premium base of more than $1.75 billion and protects 15 million individuals and their families – worldwide. ARAG offers comprehensive legal plans that provide a smart and trusted path for resolving legal issues. This enables people to protect their families, finances and futures.

This press release was distributed through eMediawire by Human Resources Marketer (HR Marketer: www.HRmarketer.com) on behalf of the company listed above.

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