Communicating complicated information about employee benefits is hard enough in itself. But it can be especially challenging to reach employees in industries such as health care, retail, construction, maintenance, utilities and transportation. That's because these employees typically aren’t in an office or at a desk where they could conveniently receive important benefits details.
Deskless workers can feel left out of the loop. They are rarely at a computer, and they don’t have as many opportunities to interact with HR staff or even fellow employees to discuss benefits options. In fact, a Gallup survey found that remote employees are more likely to experience stress, partly because of a lack of camaraderie from in-person connections. So it’s critical to make sure benefits communications take this into account.
Here are seven ways to reach deskless team members:
- Use text messages to communicate time-sensitive information. While email can be a good tool to deliver general benefits information, remote workers may only check it once a day, and they can easily overlook important benefits communication buried in their inbox. On the other hand, SMS has one of the highest open rates of any channel.
- Build information on benefits into existing communications opportunities. These can include weekly team huddles and employee newsletters.
- Use managers as a trusted source of information. For deskless employees, their managers may be their best source of company information, so equip managers with talking points, campaign updates and links to resources so they can answer questions and reinforce key messages.
- Create a single resource for benefits details. For example, Lee Company, which specializes in HVAC, plumbing, electrical repair and construction and has field employees scattered across the Southeast, created a successful microsite to drive employees to all the details they need.
- Don’t forget snail mail. Simple communications such as postcards can call attention to key enrollment dates and include QR codes to drive remote employees to a website with more information.
- Create opportunities for two-way communications. Virtual town halls, Q&A sessions and benefit-specific webinars can make remote teams feel more engaged. Use surveys and polls to address their concerns and focus your communication.
- Provide tech training. The Gallup poll found that frustration with technology is another source of stress for remote employees. Ensure your teams are properly trained on the use of video technology and best practices for remote meetings for more effective communication and collaboration.
Most important, keep it simple. Whether you are communicating to deskless employees or headquarters staff, use straightforward, jargon-free language and helpful infographics and explainer videos to make sure your employees understand their options and make the right benefits choices for them.
