Don’t Miss Open Enrollment: What Employers & Employees Need to Know
Open enrollment is a critical time of year when employees can review and select their benefits for the upcoming plan year. While it can feel routine, open enrollment is an opportunity for both employers and employees to make intentional choices that support long-term health, financial security, and overall well-being.
Why Open Enrollment Matters
For employees, open enrollment is often the only time during the year to make changes to health insurance, retirement contributions, and other benefit elections (unless a qualifying life event occurs). Selecting the right options ensures coverage that fits both current needs and future goals.
For employers, open enrollment is a chance to communicate clearly, demonstrate support for employee well-being, and increase engagement with the benefits program. It also helps reduce confusion, last-minute issues, and costly mistakes down the line.
Tips for Employers
Communicate early and often: Don’t wait until the last week—share deadlines, plan changes, and resources in multiple formats (emails, meetings, FAQs). Partner with your health insurance broker or Strategic HR Advisory to help create a communication plan.
Simplify the process: Provide easy-to-read comparisons of benefit options so employees can make informed decisions. Use an online enrollment platform when possible to make it easy for employees to enroll and for the employer to track progress.
Offer support: Encourage employees to ask questions and provide access to HR or benefits partners who can guide them through the process.
Highlight what’s new: If there are plan updates, new wellness programs, or expanded benefits, make sure these are front and center.
Tips for Employees
Review your current coverage: Think about what worked well last year and what gaps you may have noticed.
Consider life changes: Marriage, children, or shifts in health may mean your benefit needs are different this year.
Look beyond health insurance: Check options for retirement plans, flexible spending accounts (FSAs), health savings accounts (HSAs), disability insurance, and other programs.
Don’t wait until the last minute: Give yourself time to ask questions and make confident decisions.
Open enrollment is more than a paperwork deadline, it’s a strategic opportunity for both employers and employees to align benefits with evolving needs. By approaching the process thoughtfully, businesses can show their commitment to employee well-being, and individuals can secure the coverage and resources that best support their lives.
At SHRA, we help employers prepare by reminding them of important timelines, encouraging best practices, and ensuring their HR processes run smoothly year-round.
If you’re looking for guidance on strengthening your HR operations, improving employee communication, or building a proactive HR strategy beyond open enrollment, Strategic HR Advisory is here to help. Contact us today to learn how we can support your business.
