A Quick Guide to Year-End Benefit Reminders: Helping employees make the most of their benefits and start the new year feeling supported and prepared.
With the end of the year just a few weeks away, now is a great time to remind employees to take advantage of time-sensitive benefits before the plan year runs out. Plus, December’s hectic pace presents the opportunity to share helpful tips on how your company’s benefits package can support employees and their families in taking care of their health and keeping stress at bay ahead of the new year. Keep reading for a few tips you may be able to use.
for how their company’s benefits enhance their lives in a variety of meaningful ways.
Flexible Spending Accounts
While we HR professionals may have all the claims filing steps and deadlines memorized, the truth is that Flexible Spending Accounts can puzzle even the most seasoned of employees, especially at such a busy time of year. Consider sharing these helpful reminders:
- Deadlines for incurring and filing claims
- Rollover rule (if your company allows it)
- How to file claims (e.g. instructions for accessing the carrier website)
- Documentation requirements (e.g., daycare billing statement, receipt for a doctor’s bill paid out of pocket)
- How to spend unused funds so they don’t go to waste (e.g., shop the FSA store online)
- Bonus tip: Remind employees why they should consider an FSA in the first place, encouraging future participation (e.g., tax savings, nest egg for health/daycare expenses). While OE has likely passed, it may stick in their mind that this was a missed opportunity they want to take advantage of next fall.
Prescription Refills
Many times, a new plan year means a new medical carrier or medical plan for employees. If changes to your benefits program will result in new ID cards being issued for 2025, it’s a good idea to remind employees about filling maintenance prescriptions by year-end to avoid a gap in refills.
Accessing the Right Care During Cold and Flu Season
With the flu season upon us, make sure employees know where to go for quick, quality, and cost-effective care.
- Provide details on the time and cost savings of Urgent Care versus the ER.
- Promote virtual visits if that is an option covered under your plans.
- Encourage employees to have a plan for where they’ll go for care (both at home and while traveling).
- Provide instructions for any resources that require an app or login information to access.
- Remind them what resources are available if they need assistance with navigating health care options – things like your HR help desk, a dedicated benefits service center, or a third-party health care navigation solution.
Reminders for the Holiday Season
The holidays can be a wonderful but especially busy and stressful time. Take this opportunity to remind employees to utilize the work/life support benefits that are available to them through your company’s benefits package.
- Shopping Discounts – If your company offers any employee discounts or employees can receive discounts through partnerships, be sure to remind them to take advantage of those options. This can help save money on the essentials for the holiday season and potentially reduce costs for holiday gifts.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – During the holidays, it’s helpful to remind employees to use their EAP for personalized support. Since the holidays can be stressful for many, the EAP can help them manage their stress and maintain their mental well-being.
As the year comes to a close, don’t miss the opportunity to make a lasting impression by empowering your employees to fully unlock the potential of their benefits. From ensuring they utilize their flexible spending account funds to prioritizing their well-being during the holiday season, thoughtful reminders can make all the difference. When your team feels genuinely supported and equipped to make the most of their benefits, they’ll not only thrive amidst the year-end bustle but also gain a deeper appreciation for how their company’s benefits enhance their lives in a variety of meaningful ways.
ABOUT THE ORIENTATION COMPANY
At The Orientation Company, we partner with clients nationwide to provide full-service HR/benefit solutions that make their culture shine. Leveraging our decades of industry experience and a “people over everything” mentality, we help companies achieve excellence around new hire onboarding, long-term care insurance and other special-purpose enrollments, annual enrollment, employee service, and communications. Ultimately, we exist to help our clients maximize their return on investment in benefits while improving their employees’ lives.
