Preparing for Open Enrollment: What Really Matters

Open enrollment is more than a compliance exercise. It is a culture-building opportunity. The benefits you offer are one of the most valuable tools for attracting and retaining employees, but their true value only comes through when people understand and use them.

Open enrollment is one of the few times each year when benefits are front and center, giving you the opportunity to:

• Reinforce that benefits are an investment in your employees’ well-being.

• Highlight important programs: health coverage, retirement, wellness resources, or voluntary benefits.

• Educate employees on the value of what you provide and the best ways to access these resources.

When employers treat benefits as part of their culture, employees are more likely to see them as a meaningful part of their compensation package, not just paperwork they have to complete. Hosting Q&A sessions, sharing real-life examples of how benefits can be used, and making information accessible across different formats can help employees feel supported and valued.

Once you’ve set the tone, preparation behind the scenes is equally important. Employees will have questions and being ready with clear answers builds trust and credibility. Common topics we’re seeing this year include:

• Fertility coverage: Does the plan provide support for treatments, medications, or related services?

• GLP-1 medications (Ozempic, Wegovy, etc.): Are these covered, and under what conditions?

• Premium changes and plan options: What’s new, what’s staying the same, and what is changing – overall costs, benefits, care providers?

To prepare:

• Review your current benefits package with your broker or carriers well before enrollment begins.

• Update your payroll and HRIS systems to ensure new codes, deductions, and eligibility rules are in place.

• Create simple, easy-to-read materials—plan comparisons, FAQs, and a timeline of important dates.

• Offer education opportunities like information sessions or one-on-one support.

Approaching open enrollment with both culture and practicality in mind shows employees that you care about more than compliance. It demonstrates that you see benefits as a partnership, an investment in their health, financial security, and overall well-being.

If this post made you realize you may not be as prepared as you would like to be, you’re not alone. Partnering with a trusted advisor can take the stress off your plate and ensure your employees feel supported every step of the way. Reach out to our team today to make open enrollment a smoother, more impactful experience this year.