Trust Before the Click: How Pre-OE Messaging Builds Confidence (and Reduces Chaos)
Let’s be honest: Open Enrollment can feel like a game of hurry-up-and-decide.
Employees get a flood of information, a tight window to respond, and—too often—just enough confusion to turn a smart decision into a lucky guess.
But here’s the good news: You can flip that script.
With the right communication strategy before OE even begins, HR teams can turn passive participants into confident decision-makers—and prevent the pile-up of questions and panicked emails that slow things down when enrollment goes live.
Think of Pre-OE Messaging Like GPS for Benefits Decisions
Imagine dropping your employees into a new city without directions and telling them to “just find the best route.” That’s what it feels like to face OE without a roadmap.
Pre-enrollment messaging is your chance to provide the GPS:
- Here’s where you’re going (new plans, key dates)
- Here’s what’s changed (costs, coverage, providers)
- Here’s how to get there (tools, FAQs, support channels)
By orienting employees early, you help them navigate OE with less guesswork—and more gratitude.
3 Reasons Early Communication Pays Off
- It builds trust.
Employees don’t just want information—they want to know someone’s looking out for them. Thoughtful, proactive communication sends that signal loud and clear.
- It reduces HR headaches.
Answering the same questions on repeat isn’t a great use of your team’s time. A strong pre-enrollment plan answers them before they’re asked.
- It sets the tone.
OE doesn’t have to feel like a last-minute scramble. With clear, early messages, you create a sense of calm and control—from kickoff to closeout.
What Your Pre-Enrollment Calendar Should Include
A few must-have milestones to pencil in:
Countdown Reminders
Let employees know when OE is coming and how long they’ll have to enroll.
Plan Change Highlights
Any adjustments to premiums, providers, or coverage? Make it crystal clear (and repeat it often).
Decision Support Tools
From plan comparison guides to recorded webinars, share resources that make it easier to choose wisely.
Live Events or Webinars
Office hours, Q&As, and kickoff sessions give employees a chance to engage—and ask questions while there’s still time to act.
SMS or Push Notifications
Not everyone checks email daily. Layer in reminders on mobile to boost visibility and action.
What If You Could Automate All This? (Spoiler: You Can)
With Selerix Engage, you can:
- Schedule and personalize OE messages in advance
- Automate SMS nudges based on eligibility or enrollment status
- Track opens, clicks, and message engagement
- Centralize all OE content in one easy-access location
So instead of scrambling to send a reminder the night before OE begins, you can sit back and let the strategy do the heavy lifting.
Get the Calendar. Make the Plan. Reduce the Stress.
Our Pre-Enrollment Communication Calendar gives you sample timelines, message templates, and planning tips to make sure your OE strategy starts strong.
Download the Communication Calendar Template
Need a tech partner who can help you put that calendar into action?
Talk to a Selerix Expert — we’re here to help, even if you’re just exploring.
Because OE success doesn’t start with a login screen.
It starts with a plan—and a message—your people can trust.
