1. ASSESS your workforce. A geographically dispersed group of employees or single employees working at home or on the road can be tough to reach. Make print publications the centerpiece of a multi-media communication effort that pushes inquiries online and to call centers. Additionally, assess your workforce for diversity in education and job levels. Adjust the tone and readability of your benefits and HR communication so everyone can understand and take action on the information they receive. 2. ASK employees how they would like to receive their benefits and wellness information. They will tell you. Employees prefer print publications. You will reach more employees and their dependents with print. Decide the best way to distribute print publications (by mail sent to homes or by interoffice distribution). Give employees the privacy they need to read and respond to your health communications. Market research through employee surveys (written or online) or through focus groups will tell you what you want to know. Be prepared to deliver. 3. CUSTOMIZE the publications with your company’s look and feel. It’s like giving everyone a logo T-shirt. You’ll promote teamwork. Your company’s publication can be tailored specifically to deliver vital information about your company’s health benefits and targeted health articles based on your claims data and health risk assessments. Leverage that communiqué to invite employees into the health promotion campaigns and programs. 4. TAP into the resources you already have on board, such as medical staff, occupational health nurses, and other health-care professionals such as your employee assistance program. Ask these experts to write custom stories and columns for your print publications. 5. PARTNER with a newsletter and health information provider who knows how to effectively deliver your message. Want more employee communication tips? Sign up for our News for You e-newsletter now! A quick-hitting jolt of insight that's filled with concise news tips and links for communicating wellness and benefit information at the worksite. Click here to return to the HOPE Health Letter information page