Angel Wisdom Blog

Communicating benefits to employees is challenging, but doing so across a diverse mix of generations can feel even harder. At times, it may seem like we are all speaking different languages. Rather than focusing on differences, sometimes the best approach is to highlight the commonalities that bring us together. Recently, I had the pleasure of gathering with family to celebrate my parents' 50th wedding anniversary. Coming from a large family, we had representatives from five generations—Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha. Each had their own preferences and ideas for what the weekend might look like, but somehow, we made it work, and everyone walked away with moments of joy. That’s what we need to consider when communicating benefits: How can we create moments where each generation gets something they want or need without alienating another group? The Multi-Generational Workforce Workforces commonly span three to five generations, each bringing unique benefit preferences and communication styles. Here’s a glimpse of what matters to each generation and how they prefer to receive communication: Baby Boomers (1946-1964): Value retirement benefits and healthcare; prefer direct communication, emails, and printed materials. Gen X (1965-1980): Seek work-life balance and financial security; favor email, webinars, and straightforward messaging. Millennials (1981-1996): Want flexibility and mental health benefits; engage via mobile apps, videos, and peer recommendations. Gen Z (1997-2012): Prioritize inclusive benefits and tech-driven perks; prefer instant messaging, social media, and interactive formats. Gen Alpha (2013-2024): Still growing, but expected to value personalization, digital-first experiences, and well-being. Likely to prefer AI-driven, interactive, mobile-native communication styles. Leveraging Universal Best Practices for Employee Benefits Communication My experience with my family reminded me that there are universal truths that transcend generations. If we can tap into those, we can create winning moments for everyone. Clarity & Simplicity: Everyone appreciates clear, simple communication. Keep messages jargon-free and easily digestible. Multi-Channel Approach: Each generation has a preferred communication channel, but there is crossover. Use a mix of email, text, webinars, intranet, and printed materials to ensure broad reach. Consistent & Frequent Messaging: Reinforce messages regularly, not just during open enrollment. Storytelling & Real-Life Examples: Testimonials and relatable scenarios illustrate how benefits apply across different generations and life stages. Interactive & Engaging Formats: Videos, FAQs, and Q&A sessions enhance understanding and engagement. Addressing Common Challenges Benefits professionals often struggle with balancing diverse communication needs with resource constraints. A few strategic hacks can help: Repurpose, don’t reinvent. Identify core message points and adapt them for different channels. Repoint, rather than rewrite. Use supporting communication methods (postcards, texts, intranet posts) to direct employees to key messages. Package benefits by life stages. A "Benefits by Generation" resource can illustrate how different benefits apply across life stages. Measuring Communication Success There is no one-size-fits-all communication strategy. Employees have unique situations that influence communication norms and best practices. Track engagement and feedback. Combine statistical data (open rates, click-through rates, views) with employee feedback (surveys, polls, interviews). Adjust strategies based on employee response. Focus on what works and refine approaches accordingly. The Need for a Smarter Benefits Communication Strategy Effective benefits communication is no longer just a nice-to-have—it’s a critical component of employee satisfaction, engagement, and retention. With workforces spanning multiple generations, each with unique preferences and expectations, organizations must adopt a smarter approach to ensure their messaging resonates. A strategic benefits communication plan should be clear, multi-channel, engaging, and adaptable to different life stages. It must go beyond open enrollment and become an ongoing conversation that reinforces the value of benefits throughout the year. Companies that fail to modernize their approach risk losing employee trust, reducing benefits utilization, and ultimately impacting retention. Ready to transform your benefits communication strategy? That’s where Angel Vision comes in. Angel Vision specializes in delivering benefits communication strategies that help organizations refine their message, optimize communication channels, and ensure employees receive the right information at the right time. Partner with Angel Vision today to build a smarter, more effective approach that drives results.

Trust is the foundation of any successful financial or benefits strategy.

The benefits and financial services landscape is evolving fast! From personalized benefits to AI-driven planning and decision support, here are six key trends you need to know

AI & Automation are affecting nearly every aspect of our lives, but what do they mean for benefits and financial services?

Consumer-driven benefit accounts can be a confusing alphabet soup of acronyms and terms. Understand the old, the new and the proposed.

An effective benefits communication strategy takes an ongoing communication approach which incorporates required notices, reminders, enrichment opportunities, and life stage personalization to create a comprehensive approach.

Understanding and maximizing your benefits can make a significant difference in your overall well-being and financial health. By taking the time to inventory your benefits, understand their rules, and stay organized, you can make the most of what’s available to you.

Simple 7 step guide to maximize healthcare and retirement accounts by prioritizing how you are allocating your limited dollars.