Message from the executive director: ERS going from your mailbox to your inbox
Good communication is the foundation of any strong relationship, especially when the information affects your health or financial well-being. ERS is committed to communicating information that helps you make confident, informed decisions about your benefits. The way we deliver that information matters, too. When there’s a faster, more popular and cost-effective way to reach you, ERS is committed to making the change. That’s why ERS is taking steps to move many of our printed publications to primarily digital formats.
More people online, more opportunities for savings
Each year, ERS takes on significant printing and mailing costs to keep you informed about your benefits and update you on our plans.
ERS currently prints and mails more than 153,000 copies of Your ERS Connection every three months. That’s more than 610,000 mailed copies a year, with a total annual cost over $375,000. And those numbers continue to grow as new retirees are added to the mailing list, and paper and postage costs increase.
Despite the expense, ERS has continued to print and mail not only Your ERS Connection, but also many other materials. We’ve done this because we strive to keep members informed in ways that are convenient for them. Over the years, that often has meant offering many materials, like this newsletter, in both print and online versions.
But today, almost nine out of 10 American adults get news from a smartphone, computer or tablet, according to the Pew Research Center. As more retirees are connecting through their devices, ERS also is adapting how we communicate with you.
The benefits of going digital
In the past several years, ERS has adapted to this new digital media landscape by offering Your ERS Connection via email bulletin; posting videos on our YouTube channel; educating members via webinar; creating social media accounts; and, most recently, launching podcasts and contacting members by text message.
Even beyond the cost savings, digitizing our communications gives ERS new, interactive ways to connect with members. Email bulletins can include videos, direct links (instead of long URLs you have to type in yourself) and other features that make information easier to find, understand and use. Instead of waiting for administrator changes, enrollment information or forms to arrive in the mail, our vision is that you can simply click a link in an email or social media post or on the ERS website to get the information you need right away.
Not only are digital communications more timely than traditional mail, but they’re also more reliable. You won’t have to worry about documents getting lost in the mail or accidentally being thrown out.
A gradual process
We understand this will be a big change for some of you. It’s a big change for ERS! We are taking the time to plan carefully, to ensure we meet the needs of retirees while using 21st century technology securely and cost-effectively.
You will still get a print edition of Your ERS Connection in the mail through 2027. And you can already find current and past articles and issues on our website. We plan to take the newsletter almost fully digital in early 2028. Between now and then we’ll send plenty of reminders to add or update your email address with us, so you can keep getting your issue every quarter.
You can check or update your email address any time by logging in to your ERS OnLine account. I recommend using a personal email that you check regularly and aren’t likely to change. Keeping your contact information current will help ensure you don’t miss the information you need, when you need it.
Can’t wait to connect with us digitally? See the information in the box below/on the right/wherever for ways you can keep up with ERS online or in your email box. With the Texas Legislature convening in just a few months, now is a great time to subscribe to our legislative updates.
Ultimately, moving to digital communications will help ERS communicate with you faster, provide information in more accessible and engaging ways, and use resources more efficiently—all while keeping you informed about the benefits that matter to you.
Porter Wilson
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