May the Fourth be with you! Like Star Wars, pre-tax benefits have been around for a while. In fact, the first Star Wars film was released in 1977, mere months before the first pre-tax plan arose in the form of cafeteria plans.
But that’s not where the similarities between Star Wars and benefits end. These four quotes from Yoda could be lifted right out of a galaxy far, far away and brought into the emails of human resource professionals who inhabit the Milky Way.
“Patience you must have, my young Padawan.”
It is not uncommon for employees who are signing up for new benefits to experience frustration as they muddle through unfamiliar jargon and battle the acronym monster.
Understanding human resource professionals might use this phrase during open enrollment to
“Do or do not. There is no try!”
Like Luke in the swamp with Yoda, employers may encounter employees ready to give up on enrolling in benefits. This is their cue to step in and remind them of what’s possible once they finish enrolling.
After that boost, most employees can find their balance and move forward with enrollment.
“In a dark place we find ourselves, and a little more knowledge lights our way.”
Human resource managers know that encouragement goes hand-in-hand with education when it comes to assisting employees who are mid-process.
Many tools exist to provide knowledge to employees, lighting their benefits journey. From instructional videos to information sources like the BRI Resource Center, there is no shortage of support for employees seeking the right next step.
“Your path, you must decide.”
While Grandmasters of the Human Resources Order human resource directors can train employees on the power of benefits and equip them with the knowledge to proceed confidently, employees are the only ones who can make the final choice about if they will enroll.
Those who do may very well find their battle against a broken healthcare system aided by a benefits card that slashes through high prices.
Resist the Dark Side
Being an HR manager is a difficult job. Even if some employees view some company policies as in-sith-ious, do not let their lack of faith disturb you. As Master Yoda says, “Always pass on what you have learned.”
May the Force be with you.
