Lost in translation: How to help employers and employees understand open enrollment

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Advisers, employers and employees all want the same thing: Benefits plans that provide the best support possible.

But without an intimate understanding of benefits-industry terms and jargon, employers and employees can often feel left in the dark. That puts extra weight on advisers to present clear, concise information that can guide organizations to the best outcomes.

“The term ‘voluntary’ is just silly,” Silverman says of “voluntary benefits,” which can include everything from disability and life insurance to pet insurance and student loan support. “The whole point of these benefits is that they’re incredibly important to employees and their families.”

Referring to them as voluntary (or worse, ancillary) diminishes the value, Silverman says. Instead, he and his team have taken to calling them “enhanced” benefits, and in turn have seen employer groups immediately grasp the intention.

Stephanie Schomer
Editor-in-chief

Stephanie Schomer is the editor-in-chief of Employee Benefit News. She was most recently the deputy editor of Entrepreneur magazine and previously held positions at Entertainment Weekly, … Read full bio


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