Notes from our expert team.
January 13, 2026
Employee benefits
How an employee benefits decision support tool helps employees choose health plans with confidence
Choosing a health plan is one of the most confusing decisions employees make each year, and many end up in plans that don’t fit their needs. An employee benefits decision support tool helps employees compare options based on their personal healthcare needs, costs, and preferences. With the right decision support in place, employees can choose health plans with confidence and employers can deliver a better benefits experience.
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January 8, 2026
Employee benefits
Fully insured vs self insured (and other funding questions HR pros need clear answers to)
Many U.S. companies are overpaying for health insurance due to suboptimal funding strategies, but there’s a spectrum of options beyond the traditional fully insured model, which could lead to significant savings. This blog demystifies the funding options, from gap funding to fully insured, to help HR professionals understand each approach.
January 7, 2026
Working with brokers
Broker RFP process guide: how to launch a winning benefits broker RFP
A benefits broker request for proposal (RFP) can unlock crucial information about the employee benefits marketplace, your own total rewards offering, and the level of support your HR team could receive. But the RFP process can be time-consuming, confusing, and difficult — unless you’re well prepared. Here are four steps to get ready for a smooth RFP process.
December 18, 2025
Working with brokers
RFP evaluation done right: how to choose a benefits broker with confidence
RFP evaluation is one of the most important steps in choosing the right benefits broker, yet it’s often rushed or reduced to price comparisons. This guide breaks down how to evaluate broker RFPs using a structured scorecard, weighted criteria, and clear scoring practices. The result is a more confident, defensible decision that aligns with your benefits strategy and long-term goals.
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December 16, 2025
Employee benefits
19 strategies to help lean HR teams manage employee benefits without burning out
Managing employee benefits can overwhelm lean HR teams, especially without a dedicated benefits function. This guide shares 19 practical strategies to reduce administrative burden, streamline support, and empower employees to self-serve. With the right partners, tools, and systems, even small HR teams can deliver a confident, effective benefits experience.
December 10, 2025
Employee wellness
Preventive care explained: 29 things your health plan covers for free
Preventive care is one of the most valuable yet misunderstood benefits employees have access to. This guide breaks down what preventive care really includes, what’s free under most health plans, and why early detection matters for both employee well-being and employer costs. HR leaders play a critical role in helping employees use these benefits confidently, reducing confusion, strengthening trust, and improving overall health outcomes.
December 9, 2025
Employee wellness
How personalized wellness programs boost workplace well-being and reduce burnout
This article explores why traditional employee wellness programs often fall short and how personalized, flexible approaches better support employees and businesses. Drawing on insights from fitness and nutrition expert Ariel Hoffman, it outlines the real barriers employees face, the ripple effects of improved well-being, and the HR strategies that actually drive engagement. The result is a practical guide for building wellness programs that reduce burnout, increase productivity, and meet employees where they are.
December 5, 2025
Working with brokers
7 common mistakes to avoid when hiring an employee benefits broker
Choosing the right employee benefits broker has a direct impact on your costs, compliance, and employee experience. This guide highlights the most common mistakes employers make during the selection process and offers a step-by-step checklist to help you run a stronger RFP. Use it to evaluate brokers confidently and find a partner who can support your organization year-round.
December 3, 2025
Working with brokers
How a high-quality employee benefits broker supports compliance
Employee benefits compliance is increasingly complex, and HR teams often struggle to keep up with changing regulations, documentation requirements, and eligibility rules. A strong employee benefits broker acts as a year-round compliance partner who helps manage risk, maintain accurate processes, and keep your organization audit ready. This guide explains what compliance entails and how the right broker provides the expertise and structure HR teams need.
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November 21, 2025
HR tips and tricks
The 10 best HR conferences and events to bookmark for 2026
Planning your 2026 development calendar? This guide highlights the ten best HR conferences and events to help people teams learn, connect, and stay ahead of fast-moving workplace trends. From in-person gatherings to flexible virtual summits, these are the events worth bookmarking now.
November 20, 2025
Employee benefits
The complete guide to pet insurance as an employee benefit
Pet benefits are becoming an essential part of modern total rewards as more employees see pets as part of their family and struggle with rising veterinary costs. This guide breaks down why pet insurance matters, how different benefit options work, and what HR teams should consider when evaluating or implementing a pet benefit. With the right approach, employers can improve employee wellbeing, strengthen culture, and offer meaningful support at little to no cost.
November 18, 2025
Employee experience
The employer’s guide to leaves of absence: clarity, compassion, and compliance
A leave of absence can be one of the most important moments in an employee’s life, and the way an employer handles it can shape trust, culture, and retention. This guide explains how to build a leave process rooted in clarity, compassion, and compliance, with real insights from experts in HR, legal, and leave management.
