Web-Based Benefits Enrollment…Priceless
by Amy Panzarella
Putting pen to paper to process the annual benefits open enrollment is a thing of the past! Many companies, including American Public University System (APUS), have reverted to the more environmentally friendly and efficient method of processing benefits on-line. This process affords employees the luxury of completing their benefits enrollment at their convenience. Additionally, it affords the company a significant cost savings. Take into consideration the following facts:
- 1 tree = 16 reams of printer paper.
- 1 ream of paper = 500 sheets.
- APUS = approximately 700 full-time employees and 400 part-time employees.
- Historically, open enrollment required that Human Resources distribute packets of information to all full-time employees. Each packet contained approximately 100 pieces of paper.
- All enrollments were typed into the Human Resource Information System (HRIS) and vendor’s systems manually. This process invited the opportunity for human error. Additionally, it took an extraordinary amount of time to input information multiple times.
APUS initiated the web-based enrollment in November 2009 and enjoyed a seamless enrollment season. The ability for the employees to log into their personal accounts and make their benefits selections at their convenience allowed the HR staff to spend more time communicating with the employees about questions regarding their benefits. Web-based enrollment also made the logistics of having employees in various locations throughout the United States easier to manage.
From the perspective of creating efficient and error-proof processes, effective and accurate communication, cost-savings from a decrease in paper utilization; and most importantly treating our environment with the respect, care, and concern it deserves… web-based enrollment is truly priceless!
