Lively Conversations is our video series designed to explore timely topics in healthcare and employee benefits through open, practical dialogue. Each episode brings together voices from across Lively to share insights, experiences, and strategies that matter most to brokers, employers, and HR leaders.

In this installment, Chad Benoit, Broker Strategy Director, and Nafisa Mazumdar, Product Marketing Manager, share practical ways to guide employees through plan changes during open enrollment. From tailoring communications across generations to building trust in new benefits, this discussion offers strategies every broker and employer can use to make change management more successful.

▶ Watch the full conversation below:

Highlights from the Conversation

Rather than focusing on technical plan details, this conversation centers on the human side of change management during open enrollment.

Key topics discussed include:

• Timing of plan changes Most benefits renew on January 1, making Q4 the busiest and most sensitive season for transitions.

• The broker’s role Brokers act as trusted guides for employers, helping to explain changes clearly and set realistic expectations.

• Communication across generations With four generations in the workforce, employers need flexible communication strategies to meet employees where they are.

• Shared responsibility Successful change management goes beyond HR. It works best when HR, brokers, marketing, and leadership all play a role in preparing employees, delivering consistent messages, and reinforcing the value of their benefits. When each group contributes its expertise, employees receive the clarity and support they need to feel confident in plan changes.

A People-First Approach to Change

The conversation emphasizes that successful change management is about building confidence, not just delivering information.

Chad and Nafisa highlight three essentials for effective communication:

• Clarity – simplify complex terms and cut out jargon so employees understand exactly what is changing and why.

• Empathy – acknowledge the stress that comes with plan changes and address concerns with care and reassurance.

• Trust – keep messages consistent across HR, brokers, and marketing so employees hear the same story from every source.

By putting people at the center, organizations can make benefit transitions smoother, reduce confusion, and strengthen long-term trust in their benefits strategy.

Who Should Watch This Video?

This episode is especially relevant for:

• HR professionals who want to prepare employees for change and ensure benefits communications are clear, empathetic, and actionable.

• Brokers and consultants who guide clients through transitions and need practical strategies for framing plan changes in ways that build trust.

• Employers and business leaders looking to strengthen employee confidence, reduce confusion, and improve adoption of their benefits offerings.

• Anyone involved in employee benefits who wants a people-first perspective on making healthcare easier to understand and use.

• Whether you manage communication, strategy, or day-to-day enrollment, this conversation offers insights you can put into practice right away.

Whether you manage communication, strategy, or day-to-day enrollment, this conversation offers insights you can put into practice right away. Learn how Lively makes benefits implementation and onboarding simple with streamlined technology and ongoing support.

Closing Thoughts

Change management during open enrollment is never just about new plan details — it’s about building confidence, trust, and understanding for the people who rely on those benefits. As Chad and Nafisa share in this conversation, success comes from clarity in communication, empathy for employees, and collaboration across HR, brokers, and leadership.

If you’re preparing your organization or clients for open enrollment, now is the time to start those conversations and put people at the center of the process. Interested in learning how Lively can support smoother change management for your team or clients? Contact our team today to learn more.