Open enrollment is such a big deal that countless cartoons and memes about it make the rounds on various social media platforms every year. For HR professionals in the trenches, the sheer amount of administrative work can be nearly untenable, especially when considering that the work to prepare for open enrollment begins long before most employees are aware it’s happening. Leveraging technology, in the form of open enrollment software, can offer much-needed relief.
The Hallmarks of Modern Benefits Enrollment Software
Modern benefit enrollment software can redefine how organizations manage benefits, helping to liberate HR from cumbersome administrative tasks. This liberation redirects crucial resources toward strategic initiatives, amplifying the HR department's impact on broader organizational goals. When open enrollment software is used as part of an effective benefits strategy, the advantages are maximized.
Beyond streamlining HR processes, this software helps empower HR teams to identify risks and improvements, fostering agility within the organization. The impact benefits employees, too, through user-friendly tools that not only assist in the enrollment process but also help them work towards achieving their health and financial goals.
Shopping for technology solutions can be challenging and even confusing at times. We hope this guidance helps ease the pain a bit.
Here are five key features to look for when comparing your open enrollment software options:
1. Flexibility
You want your open enrollment software to reflect your organization, your brand, your mission, and your values – and you want it to scale as your business grows. Modern open enrollment software is built to serve organizations of varying sizes, in different industries, and has the capability to adapt to new business rules, integration requirements and compliance standards.
2. User-focused Design
Employees have enough on their minds as they learn about and evaluate their benefit options. The tools they’re using for enrollment shouldn’t mount an additional burden. Modern open enrollment software has a simple, intuitive and personalized user interface that is easy to use and headache-free. (Your benefits administrators will thank you for prioritizing this feature!)
3. Data Quality and Security
Almost goes without saying that every technology vendor you work with should value data security. This is especially true when that data is of a sensitive, personal nature. Working with a technology vendor that emphasizes data quality and security gives organizational leaders the confidence to assure employees their information is safe. Ask potential vendors about the frequency of security audits and to share any cybersecurity certifications their solution holds.
4. Strategic Partnership
Ok, so this isn’t necessarily built into the software. But it’s crucial to work with a vendor that understands your goals and challenges inside and out. An ideal partner will have the experience and expertise to offer support, guidance and strategic advice to help you get the most from your open enrollment software – and have other solutions to help you manage other areas of benefits administration.
5. Case Management
Employees tend to have a lot of questions during the open enrollment period. And you want to ensure that they have all the information they need to make the best decisions about the benefits they elect. Modern open enrollment software should make it easy for benefit administrators to manage employee support cases right in the open enrollment platform, rather than requiring a third-party tool.
Effective Solutions for Open Enrollment
Technology moves fast and so does your business. The adoption of modern open enrollment software is a transformative move for so many organizations. From liberating HR resources to empowering employees, these solutions open the door to a new era of benefits administration. As we’ve illustrated, it’s not just a matter of efficiency – but about shaping a forward-thinking approach that prepares your organization for the future.
