Ep. 165: Employees Don't Use Benefits They Don't Understand | A HIT-chat with Cindy Washburn

Are your employees truly getting value from their benefits — or are they forgetting about them until open enrollment rolls around?

In this episode of The H.I.T. Podcast, Toby Kennedy sits down with Cindy Washburn from TruHu to discuss why consistent, intentional communication may be the missing ingredient in maximizing employee benefits.

Too often, employees are overwhelmed with information during open enrollment and then hear little to nothing about their benefits for the rest of the year. Cindy explains how organizations can shift to a more effective, year-round communication strategy that increases awareness, appreciation, and utilization.

Topics include:

• Why benefits communication shouldn't happen just once a year
• How bite-sized, "drip marketing" messages improve retention
• Why employees with lesser benefits—but better communication—are often more loyal and satisfied
• Timing benefits education around real-life events, from summer travel to mental health awareness
• Segmenting messages so employees receive information that is relevant to them

Why repetition is one of the most powerful tools in employee education

Using email, text, microsites, and automation to make communication easier and more effective

Whether you're in HR, benefits, or leadership, this conversation offers practical strategies to help employees better understand—and appreciate—the investments your organization is already making in them.