People Management & HR

The biggest open enrollment season changes of 2022

  • 4 min Read
  • November 8, 2022

Author

Escalon

Table of Contents

Every year, Ease, a company that offers technology solutions for insurance agencies, publishes a detailed report outlining the current state of open enrollment, employee benefits and employee preferences. 

For its 2022 Open Enrollment Readiness Report, Ease surveyed 1,745 employers, benefits agency owners, insurance brokers and others to determine exactly what’s happening in the HR world today. Here’s an overview of their most insightful findings:

Everything’s changing


In 2022, nearly 82% of brokers shifted how they do business. Their go-to tools have changed (unsurprisingly, Zoom earned the No. 1 spot!), how they serve their employees has changed and their acceptance of permanent or hybrid remote work opportunities has changed. 

Currently, a full 42% of the surveyed companies conduct their work fully or mostly remotely — and even their clients now predominantly prefer virtual services. In terms of benefits, big changes are happening in that sphere, too. 

Last year, roughly 65% of employers changed their benefits strategy to boost engagement, in response to the Great Resignation, labor shortages and the increasingly competitive landscape. In 2022, 50% of employers plan on changing their offerings and strategy to remain competitive. 

Companies’ acceptance of open enrollment technology solutions is increasing, also. Nearly 1 in 3 businesses currently use a technology solution to facilitate open enrollment season.

Meanwhile, nearly 3 in 4 employers believe a technical solution is of equal or higher importance to them this year, when compared to 2021. As more companies go remote, this number is likely to continue to increase.

Employees expect more — and they’re getting it


To remain competitive, more companies than ever expect to increase their benefits offerings this enrollment season. Of the companies surveyed, 75% know they need to add more insurance and benefit options to their groups this coming year. 

Here are the biggest changes these companies are making: 

  • 42% are adding worksite benefit options like accident and life insurance.
  • 33% are increasing the number of health insurance plan options they offer.
  • 33% are adding extra mental health benefits.
  • 29% are offering additional wellness resources.
  • 20% are offering a telemedicine option.

In addition to benefits like PTO, parental leave, education allowances and home office reimbursements, these extra and expanded benefits help employers stay competitive in today’s tight job market. 

But they also add paperwork and admin hours to PeopleOps teams across the country. While their benefits offerings may be more valuable than ever, so is the effort required to administer these benefits seamlessly.

Talk to us about how Escalon’s PeopleOps can help you provide employees with competitive benefits.


Employers are getting strategic about open enrollment and their benefits


Here are the top benefits strategies employers are focusing on in 2023: 

  • 60% of employers say they choose benefits based on what’s best for their employees’ health and well-being.
  • 40% of employers choose based on health care prices, both the cost they pay and what their employees will owe.
  • 38% prioritize the benefits that improve employee satisfaction and engagement.
  • 23% prioritize the benefits that attract top talent and reduce turnover.

Employer needs are growing


In 2022, a record-setting number of employers expected their benefits broker to be available throughout the year— not just during enrollment season. They expect extra help with ongoing program management, on-demand and innovative solutions and administration support.  

For these companies, outsourcing benefits management to a support company like Escalon can help reduce the administrative burden on their team — creating more free time, a more productive workplace and more satisfied employees. 

When it comes to benefits management and administration, employers have high expectations for their providers


In today’s remote-first world, benefits providers that offer a full suite of digital tools stand out. Nearly 40% of companies that chose a new benefits agency this year, made that decision based on the agency’s ability to do business and conduct open enrollment meetings online. 

And 29% of agencies say their paper-free open enrollment policy won them new business this year (up almost 8% from last year!). 

Employers are looking for easy, online ways to help their employees choose the benefits mix that works best for them. They say the most important tools they look for are user-friendly cost-estimating tools to help employees understand what they’ll owe, personalized engagement materials and streamlined digital enrollment technology. 

Key takeaway


Managing benefits is hard on HR teams, and choosing the right benefits is complicated for employees. By outsourcing these tasks — throughout the year and especially during open enrollment season — companies can lighten their administrative burdens and offer their team members an even better experience. 

Want more? In addition to HR, benefits, recruiting and payroll through its PeopleOps, Escalon’s Essential Business Services include FinOps (CFO services, bookkeeping and accounting) and Risk (business insurance). Talk to an expert today.

Talk to our team today to learn how Escalon can help take your company to the next level.

  • Expertise you can trust

    Our team is made up of seasoned professionals who bring years of industry experience to the table. You gain a trusted advisor who understands your business inside out.

  • Quality and consistency

    Say goodbye to the hassles of hiring, training and managing in-house finance teams. You will never have to worry about unexpected leave of absence or retraining new employees.

  • Scalability and Flexibility

    Whether you’re a small business or a global powerhouse, our solutions scale with your needs. We eliminate inefficiencies, reduce costs and help you focus on growing your business.

Contact Us Today!

Tap into the latest insights from experts in your industry

Accounting & Finance

Financial Planning for the Future, Setting Long-Term Business Goals

While small businesses must handle day-to-day tasks—like managing payroll or closing monthly books—long-term planning is the compass that keeps them...

Read More
People Management & HR

Benefits Administration, What Small Business Need to Know

Benefits administration can be a game-changer for small businesses aiming to attract and retain top talent. While salaries remain an...

Read More
Accounting & Finance

AAP vs. Cash Accounting: Which Method Is Best for Your Growing Business? 

Choosing the right accounting method can significantly impact how you track financial performance, manage taxes, and plan growth. Two common...

Read More
Accounting & Finance

Beyond Bootstrapping: Advanced Cash Flow Management for Scaling Companies 

Bootstrapping—financing growth through internal cash flow—is a hallmark of many successful startups. But as businesses mature past their initial stage,...

Read More
Technology & Security

Building a Scalable Tech Stack: How to Choose the Right Tools for Growth 

In today’s business landscape, technology is more than a convenience—it’s a strategic asset that can supercharge growth. But as you...

Read More
Accounting & Finance

How to Reduce Month-End Close Time Without Sacrificing Accuracy 

The month-end close can feel like a perpetual scramble—collecting invoices, reconciling accounts, fixing last-minute errors. A drawn-out close not only...

Read More
uncategorized

How to Reduce Overhead Costs Without Impacting Productivity 

Overhead costs—from utilities and rent to administrative staffing—can quietly swell until they erode profit margins and slow your ability to...

Read More
Accounting & Finance

How to Structure Your Finance Team as Your Business Scales

Growth triggers a tidal wave of financial complexity, multi-entity operations, new product lines, overseas expansion, or investor relations. If your...

Read More
Accounting & Finance

M&A Readiness: How to Prepare Your Financials for a Successful Acquisition or Sale 

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) can dramatically alter a company’s trajectory—unlocking new markets, technologies, or customer bases. Yet, many deals stumble...

Read More