HR should handle the actual tracking of benefits usage, but managers should be educated on how to identify and report signs of misuse or confusion. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Thirty-five United Airlines employees were recently fired for abusing their family travel benefits, but how can companies ensure employees are using their benefits appropriately? Below are six actions employers can take to improve employee benefits communication and prevent misuse.

1. Choose the right channel. Employees are bombarded with emails, voicemails, texts, direct messages, and calendar reminders every day, so employers are facing the challenge of cutting through the clutter. It's important that before disseminating any employee benefits-related updates or reminders, HR teams identify which channels employees engage with most. Some employees may prefer company-wide emails, while others may respond better to a direct text or public announcement. Employers will likely have to tailor their message to a few different platforms to successfully reach all employees.

2. Repetition, repetition, repetition. Employers need to make their message stick to increase engagement and understanding, so a one-time overview during onboarding won't cut it. If employees have five weeks left to rollover their FSA dollars, send a reminder at least once a week. When possible, incorporate messaging into current processes like weekly company-wide meetings or monthly internal e-newsletters. It's in the best interest of the employer and the employee to be informed on the company's benefits offerings, so don't worry about over-communicating. Also repeat the message of how they should be used, again, to avoid any future confusion leading to misuse.