Notes from our expert team.
.webp)
March 30, 2026
Employee benefits
How women in HR are redesigning benefits to drive equity in the workplace
Women make up the majority of the HR profession and are increasingly reshaping benefits strategy with workplace equity as the explicit goal. Equity in the workplace means giving employees access to what they actually need to participate and advance, not just equal access to the same resources. For HR leaders, that distinction has real implications for how benefits are designed, what gets measured, and which gaps are worth closing. This post breaks down what equity-driven benefits look like in practice, why women in HR are leading the charge, and how any HR leader can start applying the same framework.
Min Read
Explore topics
October 3, 2025
Renewal season
6 questions to ask your employee benefits broker at renewal: the ultimate broker evaluation checklist
Renewal season is the perfect time to step back and evaluate whether your benefits broker is truly delivering for your organization. In this guide, we share six essential questions every HR leader should ask their broker during renewal, from cost-containment strategies to employee engagement support. Use this ultimate broker evaluation checklist to ensure you’re getting the insights, transparency, and partnership you need to deliver a competitive, cost-effective benefits program.
September 29, 2025
Open enrollment
Open enrollment explained: the most important terms in plain language.
Open enrollment only comes once a year, and understanding the jargon can make all the difference in choosing the right benefits. This glossary breaks down the most important terms, like premiums, deductibles, HSAs, and voluntary benefits, into clear categories for easy navigation. Whether you’re an employee enrolling for the first time or an HR leader guiding your team, this resource will help you make confident, informed decisions.
.webp)
September 19, 2025
Open enrollment
Open enrollment communication made simple: a step-by-step guide for HR teams
Open enrollment is one of the most important (and stressful) times of year for HR leaders, and the key to success is clear, strategic communication. This checklist walks through proven ways to boost employee understanding, from tailoring messages across generations to leveraging technology, brokers, and internal champions. Done well, open enrollment communication reduces confusion, builds trust, and helps employees make confident choices.
September 5, 2025
HR tips and tricks
2026 renewals are breaking records: what employers must know (and do) now
Employers are bracing for one of the most difficult renewal seasons in recent memory, with double-digit cost increases becoming the norm. From soaring pharmacy spend and high-cost claimants to delayed care and industry consolidation, multiple forces are driving rates higher. This blog unpacks what’s behind the surge and offers practical strategies employers can use to take back control and balance financial pressures with employee well-being.
September 5, 2025
Employee wellness
Hidden gems: 24 FSA- and HSA-approved items you didn't know about
HSAs and FSAs offer tax-advantaged ways to cover healthcare expenses. These accounts cover many items beyond traditional medical costs, including tech devices, family care products, women’s health items, and beauty treatments.
August 27, 2025
Employee wellness
The 13 most important types of leave every HR leader should know
Employees need more than just vacation days. Clear leave policies signal trust and support when life happens. This blog breaks down the most common types of leave, from bereavement leave to floating holidays, and shows how thoughtful policies strengthen equity, well-being, and retention.
.webp)
August 22, 2025
HR tips and tricks
What is transformational leadership? Real-world lessons from an HR leader
Transformational leadership is no longer optional; it’s essential for engagement, retention, and workplace trust. In this recap of our Missing Chapters conversation with Kylie Ensrud, Chief People Officer at DataVision, we explore why leaders often default to transactional habits, what transformational leadership looks like in practice, and how HR teams can help managers build authentic, human-centered connections.
.webp)
August 20, 2025
Employee benefits
The employee-friendly glossary: 52 benefits terms that cause confusion, decoded
Benefits jargon leaves many employees feeling lost, which can lead to missed opportunities and underused perks. This employee-friendly glossary breaks down 52 of the most commonly misunderstood terms in plain English, helping HR teams and employees alike navigate benefits with confidence. From deductibles to COBRA, this guide makes sure no one gets tripped up by confusing fine print.
August 15, 2025
Employee wellness
5 common menopause myths that are costing employers talent
This blog explores five common myths about menopause in the workplace and the real impact they have on women’s careers, productivity, and health. Drawing on insights from a Nava Benefits webinar with experts from Midi Health, it outlines how misinformation and lack of support can lead to absenteeism, missed promotions, and talent loss. The post also offers actionable steps for employers, including benefit plan audits, virtual care options, manager education, and DEI integration, to create a more supportive and inclusive environment for employees experiencing menopause or perimenopause.
.webp)
August 14, 2025
HR tips and tricks
The complete guide to U.S. family & medical leave (2025): federal rules + all 50 states
This blog breaks down the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and state paid family and medical leave (PFML) programs so HR leaders can understand who’s covered, how long employees can take leave, and which rules apply in each state. You’ll find a complete A–Z guide to state laws, including leave durations, wage replacement details, and special provisions that go beyond the federal baseline. It also includes practical compliance tips to help employers manage leave consistently, avoid costly mistakes, and support employees during life’s most important moments.
August 13, 2025
Employee benefits
Values-driven employee benefits: a how-to guide with 13 inspiring examples
This guide breaks down what values-driven employee benefits are, why they matter, and how to design them so they align with your company’s mission and culture. You’ll learn practical steps to create benefits that attract and retain talent, avoid common pitfalls, and reinforce your values. Plus, we spotlight 13 companies, from Amazon to Commonwealth Bank, showing exactly how to put these benefits into action, with inspiring examples across professional development, family support, sustainability, community impact, wellness, and inclusion.
%20v1.webp)
August 8, 2025
HR tips and tricks
3 long-term hiring strategies: how to recruit for growth, culture, and retention
In fast-paced work environments, hiring often prioritizes immediate needs over long-term strategy, leading to short-term fixes that may not support future growth. This blog, inspired by a conversation with Hope for Haiti CEO Skyler Badenoch, encourages HR leaders to shift toward intentional hiring that emphasizes values alignment, growth potential, and culture add. It offers actionable strategies to identify high-potential candidates, build long-term onboarding plans, and avoid the costly pitfalls of rushed hiring decisions.
