Open enrollment revisited: What advisors and HR can do differently next time

So you’ve survived another open enrollment. Congratulations! If you’re a benefits advisor or you work in human resources, now’s the time to take stock of what worked and what could have been done better.

You might be thinking about the benefits platform and how well it worked — or didn’t. Or wondering if employees understood their choices and made good decisions for them and their families. Or fretting over health care costs in these uncertain times.

These are certainly important things to consider as you look ahead to a new calendar year, but they shouldn’t be the only considerations on your list.

Let’s face it: The last few years have changed the role of HR at most organizations. And employee benefits are more complicated than ever. In times like these, it seems we all have more questions than answers. If employers want to attract and retain talented employees — while simultaneously maintaining a benefits package that can meet those employees’ wants and needs — then benefits pros need to be constantly thinking three steps ahead.