Using video to improve your employee benefits education
Video is a highly effective tool for getting employees engaged and informed about their benefits options.
Company benefits are often complex and confusing for young employees who need help understanding all their options. However, for many employers, knowing that their employees are making the most informed decisions about their benefits is critical to ensuring everyone gets the most out of their coverage and a business’s investment in their people.
So what’s the best way to educate your employees about their benefits?
While there are many ways to do this, more and more employers are finding that video is a highly effective tool for getting employees engaged and informed about their options.
How can video improve benefits education?
There are several reasons why video is such an effective tool for benefits education:
It’s engaging
People are more likely to pay attention to and remember information that is presented in an engaging way. Video is a great way to add excitement and energy to what can often be dry material.
It’s visual
People are generally more visual learners, and video allows you to show employees all the ins and outs of the benefits and how they work. This can be especially helpful with things like health insurance, where there may be a lot of jargon and technical details to explain.
It’s convenient
Sitting down and reading through a benefits booklet or manual in today’s busy world can be challenging. But, on the other hand, video can be watched at any time, whether at work, at home, or on the go.
It’s personal
Video allows you to put a face to the benefits’ education process. Instead of just reading information off a page, employees can see and hear from someone directly involved in their benefits and can answer any questions they may have.
Studies have repeatedly proven that video is a highly effective learning tool. One study found that employees were 1.8 times more likely to retain the information after watching a video than those who just read about it. So when designing your benefits education strategy, be sure to consider adding video into the mix.
Effective ways you can use video as part of your benefits training program
Now that you know the benefits of using video for employee benefits education, here are a few ideas of how you can use it as part of your program:
Include video in your SOP software
One way to use video is to include it in your SOP software for your employees. This can be an excellent resource for employees to watch videos on their own time and at their own pace. In addition, you can include videos on various topics, such as how to enroll in benefits, how to use specific coverage, and what to do if there are problems with coverage.
This can be a beneficial tool for new employees who may need to become more familiar with all their coverage areas and want a little extra help getting started. However, it can also be a good refresher for more experienced employees who may need a little help understanding changes to their benefits over time or want to know how they can modify their coverage to better suit their current needs.
Hold virtual benefit fairs
Another way to use video is to provide virtual benefit fairs for employees. This can be a great option if you have employees in different locations or who work extra shifts and cannot attend an in-person event. You can set up a central location where employees can watch videos about other benefits providers, learn about coverage options, and ask questions.
Benefit fairs are an excellent opportunity to invite benefits providers to participate and answer any employees’ questions. Hearing from the actual provider can be a great way to help employees feel more comfortable with their coverage and understand what they are signing up for.
Use screencasting
If you want to create your own benefits’ education videos, you can use screencasting to record yourself giving a presentation on various topics. Screencasting is a great way to add a personal touch to your videos and ensure that employees understand the presented information.
Rather than just reading off a script, you can use screencasting to show employees how to enroll in benefits, access their coverage, and what to do if they have questions or problems. You can also use screencasting to create videos highlighting benefits changes or new coverage options.
Screencasting puts the presenter in the driver’s seat, allowing them to control the flow and pace of the presentation. This can be a handy tool during open enrollment periods and when benefits changes are being made.
Get employees more engaged with their company benefits
If you’re an employer or work in human resources, you know how important it is to help employees understand their benefits. By using video in your benefits education strategy, you can leverage this powerful tool in various ways to support your training initiatives. Following these tips can help you get started.
Frank Mengert continues to find success by spotting opportunities where others see nothing. As the founder and CEO of ebm, a leading provider of employee benefits solutions.
