Open enrollment can be easy to put off, especially when employees are juggling work, family and everything else this time of year. Unfortunately, waiting until the last minute can lead to rushed decisions, missed details and benefits that don’t fully meet their needs. A little time spent reviewing coverage and taking care of year-end tasks can make a difference heading into 2027.

Here are five reminders HR teams can share to help employees make the most of their benefits.

1. Don’t Rush Through Open Enrollment

Encourage employees to review their options early rather than waiting until the deadline. Have their healthcare needs or family circumstances shifted? Do they anticipate new medical expenses or changes in prescriptions? Taking time to compare options and ask questions can help employees choose coverage that fits their needs and budget.

2. Give Your Beneficiaries a Checkup

Life insurance and retirement account beneficiaries are easy to overlook. Marriage, divorce, a new child or other family changes may mean it’s time for an update. Employees should review both primary and contingent beneficiaries to make sure their designations reflect their current wishes. It’s a good opportunity to note that, in the event of death, their current listed beneficiaries will override any last wills and testaments.

3. Check Your FSA Balance & Deadlines

Flexible spending account dollars can come with expiration dates. Depending on the plan, employees may have a grace period to spend remaining funds or be able to roll over a limited amount. ABC’s healthcare FSA allows up to $680 in unused funds to roll over. Employees should check their balances, review eligible expenses and understand their plan deadlines before year-end.

4. Schedule Preventive Care Appointments

Have employees put their benefits to work. Annual physicals, recommended screenings, dental cleanings and vision appointments are easy to push aside when schedules get busy. Reviewing coverage and scheduling appointments before the year ends can help employees take advantage of available preventive care benefits.

5. Review Your Financial Protection

Health insurance isn’t the only benefit worth reviewing. Employees should consider whether their retirement contributions, life insurance and disability coverage still fit their needs. A change in family circumstances, income or financial goals may mean it’s time to revisit those elections and coverage amounts.

Lastly, Help Employees Make Time for Their Benefits

HR teams can make a difference by communicating deadlines early, sharing simple explanations of available benefits and making time for employee questions. ABC works alongside cooperatives to provide the resources, guidance and support employees need to make informed decisions.

A few extra minutes now can help employees avoid last-minute decisions and head into the new year with greater confidence in their benefits.