Reach the Right People: Using Email & SMS to Reignite Benefits Engagement
Your benefits might be great. Your platform might be clean. But if your messages aren’t reaching your employees—or worse, aren’t resonating—you’re stuck doing extra work for limited impact.
That’s where strategic email and SMS communication comes in.
Mid-year is the perfect time to re-engage employees before Open Enrollment hits full swing. Whether it’s a quick FSA reminder or a teaser about plan updates, a short, well-timed message can boost benefits visibility and drive smarter decision-making down the road.
In this post, we’ll share:
- Why email and text still matter for HR
- What types of campaigns to send now
- Tips for writing messages that actually get opened
- And how to use platforms like Selerix Engage to send smarter, not harder
Why Email & SMS Still Work
We know what you’re thinking: “Do employees even read our emails anymore?”
Yes—if they’re short, timely, and helpful.
Email remains one of the most efficient ways to reach a dispersed workforce with detailed information. SMS, meanwhile, gets far higher open rates and is great for time-sensitive nudges.
Together, these two channels form a communication powerhouse. The key is using them well.
What to Say Right Now: 4 Mid-Year Campaign Ideas
Here are a few easy-win messaging themes to consider this summer:
1. “Did You Know?” Awareness Series
- Introduce underused or hidden benefits: wellness stipends, telehealth, pet insurance
- Send one quick fact per week or month to build awareness without overload
2. Summer Wellness Push
- Tie into PTO, stress reduction, preventive care, EAPs
- Great time to position HR as a partner, not just a policy enforcer
3. OE Preview / Save-the-Date
- Give a light heads-up about when Open Enrollment will open
- Mention any big changes employees should be aware of (plan changes, new tools)
4. Feedback Follow-Up
- Ask one simple question about benefits satisfaction or interest
- Frame it as co-creation: “Help us build better benefits.”
Writing Better Messages: 5 Quick Tips
Whether you’re writing a full email or a 160-character text, the principles stay the same:
- Start with value
Lead with what’s in it for them: savings, convenience, clarity
- Use casual, human language
Drop the jargon. Write like you talk.
- Keep it short
One message = one point. Avoid the laundry list.
- Add a clear CTA
Want them to click? Tell them where and why.
- Test subject lines and timing
Not sure what works? Try A/B testing or different send times.
How Technology Makes It Easier (and Smarter)
If you’re sending these manually—or worse, pasting email lists into Outlook—you’re not just wasting time. You’re missing opportunities.
With Selerix Engage, you can:
- Schedule automated messages by audience, eligibility, or activity
- Track open rates, click-throughs, and who’s falling behind
- Send SMS and email from the same platform
- Personalize messages based on real-time data (who’s completed enrollment, who’s eligible, etc.)
The result? More reach, less effort, and smarter decision-making for HR.
Want to see how it works? Schedule a quick walkthrough.
Final Thoughts: A Message Is Only As Good As Its Timing
You don’t need to send more messages. You need to send the right message at the right time.
Mid-year is one of those times.
With the right content, channel, and tools, your team can:
- Build momentum leading into OE
- Keep benefits top of mind (without overwhelming people)
- Drive higher awareness, satisfaction, and smarter choices
It starts with a single message.
Take the Next Step
Ready to sharpen your communications strategy before OE hits?
Download the Open Enrollment Roadmap to see how messaging fits into the bigger picture.
Or talk to us about how Selerix Engage can make multi-channel comms easier, smarter, and more effective—all year long.
Because benefits only matter if your people see them.