As the year winds down, employers have a crucial opportunity to fine-tune their employee benefits strategy. Open enrollment is wrapping up, and now is the time to ensure your benefits package is ready to meet employee needs and support your 2025 business goals. A strong, competitive benefits program doesn’t just attract top talent—it also drives employee satisfaction and retention.
At Corpstrat, we specialize in helping businesses navigate these challenges. Here are the top 10 employee benefits priorities to focus on before the year ends.
1. Finalize Open Enrollment Communications
A successful open enrollment hinges on clear communication. Ensure your employees understand their options, any changes for 2025, and the enrollment deadlines. Use multiple channels—emails, webinars, printed guides, or one-on-one meetings—to make sure everyone feels informed and confident in their choices.
2. Review 2025 Plan Design Changes
Have you updated your plans for 2025? Whether it’s adjusting premium contributions, coverage options, or introducing new benefits, now is the time to finalize your offerings and communicate the value to your team. A clear, competitive plan goes a long way toward boosting employee satisfaction.
3. Proactively Address Premium Increases
If your organization is facing premium increases, consider offering creative solutions. Pairing high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or adding wellness programs can help employees offset costs while staying engaged in their health.
4. Assess Participation Rates
Look at this year’s enrollment data. Are some benefits underutilized? Targeted communication campaigns can help increase awareness of valuable programs like telemedicine, financial wellness tools, or mental health resources. Better utilization can lead to better outcomes for your employees.
5. Confirm Compliance with Regulations
Don’t let compliance issues derail your progress. Ensure you’re meeting requirements for ACA reporting, COBRA administration, and HIPAA. With state and federal laws constantly changing, a compliance review is essential to avoid penalties and keep your team protected.
6. Invest in Mental Health and Well-being
In today’s workplace, mental health is non-negotiable. Expanding your offerings to include Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), access to licensed therapists, or digital well-being tools can make a world of difference to your employees—and show that you truly care.
7. Consider Long-Term Care Insurance
As caregiving demands increase, long-term care insurance is becoming a must-have benefit. Adding this option to your benefits package positions your organization as forward-thinking and family-focused, helping employees plan for their future with peace of mind.
8. Audit and Optimize Your Current Benefits
Year-end is the perfect time for a benefits audit. Are your programs delivering value? Are you paying for benefits employees don’t use? Adjust your offerings to maximize employee satisfaction and your return on investment.
9. Promote Ancillary Benefits
Ancillary benefits like dental, vision, disability insurance, and voluntary offerings such as pet insurance or legal support can significantly enhance your package. These are low-cost options for employers that provide high perceived value to employees.
10. Plan a 2025 Benefits Communication Strategy
Open enrollment is just the start. Develop a year-long communication strategy that educates employees about their benefits, keeps them engaged, and ensures they make the most of your offerings. A proactive approach to education can lead to higher satisfaction and better utilization.
How We Can Help
At CorpStrat, we specialize in helping businesses like yours navigate the complexities of employee benefits. From designing competitive plans to creating effective communication strategies, we ensure your offerings deliver maximum value—for both your employees and your bottom line.
Let’s talk! Whether you need a compliance check, assistance with open enrollment, or ideas for new benefit offerings in 2025, we’re here to help. Schedule a free consultation today to see how we can support your business.
Your benefits strategy is one of your most powerful tools for attracting, retaining, and rewarding your team. Let’s make it work for you.