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Open Enrollment season: the time of year when HR professionals transform into project managers, therapists, communicators, and—let’s be honest—part-time magicians. 🎩✨
Between managing deadlines, answering the same question 400 times (“Wait, what’s an FSA again?”), and juggling new plan designs, OE can feel like a haunted house you can’t escape. But it doesn’t have to send shivers down your spine.
Here are five practical (and slightly magical) ways to stay calm, organized, and maybe even have a little fun this OE season.
The scariest thing about OE? Surprises. Avoid last-minute frights by building a clear plan that outlines:
Think of it as your anti-chaos spellbook. The clearer your roadmap, the fewer jump scares later.
Instead of tackling OE as one giant monster, break it into smaller, manageable chunks:
Then—this part’s key—build in actual breaks. Step away from the inbox. Touch grass. Drink water. HR burnout is real, and no one makes their best decisions when they’re running on caffeine and adrenaline.
Leverage your tools—Nayya, your benefits platform, or your HRIS—to do the heavy lifting.
Every task you automate buys you back a little sanity—and a few hours of sleep. 😴
Employees tune out when communication feels stiff or overly corporate. Instead, make your messages human—approachable, empathetic, and even fun.
Try:
“Hey team—Open Enrollment starts Monday! Don’t get spooked by the details. We’ve got guides, videos, and real people (that’s us 👋) ready to help.”
You’ll be surprised how much engagement (and goodwill) you build when people feel you’re on their side, not talking at them.
Did 80% of your team enroll early? Did someone finally understand their HSA? Did you make it through OE week without crying in a bathroom stall? All of those are victories worth celebrating.
Throw a post-OE coffee break, send a fun thank-you GIF, or treat yourself to a pumpkin spice reward. ☕ You earned it.
Open Enrollment will always come with its share of fright. But with the right planning, automation, and humor, it doesn’t have to be a nightmare.
Remember: calm is contagious. When HR leads with clarity and composure, employees follow suit—and the entire OE experience becomes a little less spooky for everyone.
So this October, light a candle, cue up your favorite fall playlist, and remind yourself: you’ve got this. 🧡
Ready to make this OE season less trick, more treat?
Check out our Nayya Choose Resources—packed with templates, communication ideas, and planning checklists to help your team stay ahead of the (witching) hour.
