Are holiday decorations in July the new sign to get ahead of the open enrollment rush?
Walk into almost any big-box store in July, and you may already see Halloween decorations, fall candles, or even the first signs of Christmas.
Our first thought? It is way too soon.
But while we may not be ready for pumpkins, skeletons, and holiday music just yet, there is one thing that is not too early to start planning: your January 1st employee benefits renewal.
July Is for Planning. August Is for Action.
For employers with a January 1st renewal, July is the ideal time to review what worked, identify what did not, and begin discussing goals for the upcoming year.
Starting meaningful conversations with your benefits broker in early August can give your team more time to:
- Explore additional quoting options
- Review cost-containment strategies
- Evaluate alternative funding arrangements
- Prepare employee communications
- Build a smoother open enrollment experience
The more time you have, the more options you can thoughtfully consider. Waiting until renewal season is in full swing can lead to rushed decisions, limited flexibility, and unnecessary stress for your HR team.
Do Not Wait for the Open Enrollment Rush
Open enrollment will always be busy, but it does not have to feel chaotic.
Early preparation allows your broker, leadership team, and HR department to work together on a strategy before deadlines begin piling up. It also creates more time to educate employees, answer questions, and help them feel confident about their benefits.
So, while you can probably wait a little longer to buy the inflatable snowman, do not wait to begin planning your benefits renewal.
Start talking with your broker today about your goals, challenges, and options for creating a better benefits experience for both your organization and your employees. Start the conversation now.