OCTOBER 2021HR TECH OUTLOOK8In MyOpinionThe summer of 2020 presented some big, new challenges for employers. Most rose to the occasion and, in general, today's work-from-home employees are productive and delivering on company goals. Now comes the next challenge: open enrollment. But this one isn't new. Aside from the need to thoughtfully consider your employee communications strategy, the steps for delivering a successful open enrollment are no different than they were a year ago. But for many, a year ago feels like a lifetime ago, so let's review some tips to help you prepare for this year's open enrollment (OE). 1. Test your platform: Even if you've been on the same platform for a couple of years, there is always something different, e.g., new plans, rate changes, etc. Block out time right now on your calendar for testing--including for test cases that mimic your C-suite and VIPs. If you're well-organized, a day or two should suffice. Don't assume you can "squeeze it in" between other priorities (you can't). Failure to thoroughly test your platform will result in problems during OE (or shortly thereafter) that will create headaches much bigger than the one associated with carving a day or two out of your schedule now. Your service provider can give you some suggestions on the best ways to test or read our article on how to avoid the cost and pain of benefit administration errors. 2. Allow yourself (and your service provider) sufficient time to do OE right: A rushed open enrollment set-up and testing period is a recipe for disaster. Technology providers typically have a standard timeframe for implementation and set-up. There's a reason for this they know what's required for a smooth OE. If circumstances don't allow for that, e.g., if COVID-19 was the impetus for moving off paper to an online enrollment platform and you got a late start, then give your provider a break if/when there are glitches and also give them adequate time to clean them up. (For those still on paper, there's a whole different set of tips, but we recommend you start planning now to move to an online platform for next year's OE.) By Rhonda Marucci, Vice President, HR & Benefits technology Consulting Practice Leader, Gallagher [NYSE: AJG]Five Tips to Prepare For a Successful Open Enrollment Rhonda Marucci
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