Personalized Communications Consulting
Few employers would question the importance of communication in their relationship with their employees, yet when it comes to employer-provided
benefits, many are faced with the following communication issues:
- Comprehension
- Education
- Appreciation
Benefit statements are a popular and cost-effective tool that can assist in this communication. (The value of benefit statements is
discussed below. To go directly to that discussion, click here.)
It is Sibson Consulting's belief that while the challenges our clients' face may be similar, the solutions must be uniquely designed to match each
client's business issues, demographics, plans and overall HR strategy. Because the work we do is always customized to meet each client's
goals, our personalized communications consulting services range from simple to comprehensive. (To go directly to sample images, click
here.) We typically conduct an exploratory meeting to discuss the overall parameters and objectives of the benefit statement
and then tailor the content, text and design accordingly.
Our Personalized Communications consultants come from both communication and benefit consulting backgrounds. Consultants have a team of
writers, analysts and actuaries available to assist or participate on each project. In addition, we work with outside graphic designers
and printers to professionally produce the final product. We have the systems ability to process external data and technical expertise
to calculate the values that best describe the plan benefits.
We produce a variety of statements for our clients, including:
- Standard Pension statements,
- Retirement Income statements, and
- Comprehensive and Total Compensation/Rewards statements.
Most statements illustrate standard demographic data. Specific aspects of statements are discussed in the following sections.
Text
The statement text can include tables, charts and summary pages and can range from a single page to a booklet. We work with our clients to
develop suitable text that describes their plans and personal messages to their employees.
Design
Design refers to the colors, graphics and layout of the statement. A statement's design can strengthen the personal element and the importance
of the benefit program to the employee and give your message a greater and lasting impact. Only imagination, creativity and budget limit the
design you choose.
Samples
For a larger view of any of the sample images below, simply click on the image:
Methods of Delivery
- Electronic Statements can be delivered electronically, using any of the following methods: online via the Internet or a local
intranet, e-mail attachments in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) or other format, or CD-ROM in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF).
- Paper Paper statements can be mailed to the work site or directly to each employee's home.
The Value of Benefit Statements
Benefit statements can:
- Illustrate the overall cost, coverage and value of benefits,
- Demonstrate the firm's investment in its workforce, improving relationships, morale, motivation, productivity and competitiveness
and reducing complaints and turnover,
- Convey personalized messages, information or a corporate image,
- Increase knowledge of current or future benefit issues such as: taxes, alternate options, enrollment or plan changes,
- Be used as a retirement planning tool,
- Track benefit costs, and
- Encourage feedback from employees.
Effective communication that leads to a greater appreciation, comprehension and education of benefits can assist in the recruitment and
retention of key employees.
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