It's never too early to start planning for open enrollment, and putting processes in place to help guide your company to a better benefits season, reduce stress, and free up time to concentrate on strategic initiatives.

With changes related to federal Healthcare Reform, the open enrollment process may be more complex than ever. Here are three tips that may help this year's benefits season run smoothly.

1. Take the pulse of your team
Consumer-driven health plans are becoming more prevalent and, employees are more informed about benefits costs. Involve your staff from the start by asking what they value most: preventive care, maternity care, low co-payments, vision or dental coverage, a wide provider network? Working together, you may be able to save money and develop a more engaged, loyal workforce.

2. Explore existing options
Your benefits package may already include high-quality benefits that are being under-utilized — such as health savings accounts, preventive care or commuter benefits — simply because employees aren't aware of them. Consider distributing an email or flyer with details about these programs. Explain each benefit, how it works and why it's valuable to your personnel.

3. Communicate early and often
The most effective enrollment process includes the distribution of clear information at every stage. Consider the issues that may be on employees' minds: What's changed this year? What choices work best for me and my family? What do I need to do and when?

By assessing what your employees' value, sharing often-overlooked information and mapping out a clear communications strategy, you may find that your next open enrollment period is easier than it's ever been before.

Automatic Data Processing Insurance Agency, Inc.