The Value of Communication

• Simone Marshall Senior Consultant Employee Benefit Plans

Employees and their families get the greatest value from their benefit plans when they know what they offer and understand how to gain the most from them. 

With a post-secondary education in journalism and as an employee benefits consultant since 2005, I understand that communication is often outside the expertise and functions of human resources and payroll specialists.  In fact, it's the reason that communication and education are core components of my role at Belay Advisory.

I work hard to ensure employees and their families feel confident that they are getting the most from their benefits plan and that their employer is taking care of them.

It wasn't long ago that I helped a client through a large and complicated benefits plan re-design.  The company was radically changing its offering and needed to communicate with employees across numerous locations in Alberta and British Columbia.  Its team was confident in the value of their plan, although concerned about having the ability and resources to communicate the merits of the new approach to employees.

I was thrilled to put my capabilities to work, delivering a comprehensive communications plan to guide the company's communication and education efforts.  Together, we developed engaging and concise messages in anticipation of employees' questions and needs.  We made use of established communications channels to deliver information and respond to questions in a timely and meaningful way.  And we leveraged the credibility of key company staff to act as the spokespeople for the changes, helping employees to trust in the new approach.  It was a great success!

When it comes to effective communication, the investment on the front end will pay dividends for the company, employees, and employees' families for years to come.   The reality is that people turn to their benefits plan when they need support.  It's typically in the face of a loss, health concern or unexpected investment in something like major dental work; they generally don't have the time or energy to seek answers. 

I work as a catalyst and advisor to not only ensure companies have the best benefits plan for their needs but be certain that employees are primed to access the support they need when they need it.

Let me help you get the most value from your plan with effective communication.