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Notes from our expert team.

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.

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24 FSA Approved Items You Didn't Know About
September 5, 2025
HR tips and tricks
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. 
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August 27, 2025
HR tips and tricks
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.
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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.
A magnifying glass over dictionary text, symbolizing how employees often need extra help to make sense of confusing benefits jargon.
August 20, 2025
HR tips and tricks
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.
Midlife professional working at a laptop, representing women navigating menopause at work.
August 15, 2025
HR tips and tricks
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.
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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.
Two people reviewing sustainability plans at a desk, symbolizing eco-focused, values-driven employee benefits in the workplace.
August 13, 2025
HR tips and tricks
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.
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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.
Team collaborating on benefits renewal strategy with laptops and notebooks around a meeting table.
August 6, 2025
HR tips and tricks
Who to include in benefits renewal discussions (and why it matters)
Benefits renewal is a high-stakes, cross-functional effort that directly impacts cost, employee experience, and retention, so it shouldn't fall on HR alone. This guide outlines the must-have and supporting stakeholders to involve, what each brings to the table, and how to keep the process organized and on track. With the right team and structure, you can turn renewal season into a strategic advantage for your business and your people.
Family reviewing savings options on a laptop, representing parents exploring Trump Accounts for their children’s future.
July 24, 2025
HR tips and tricks
Trump Accounts explained: a new era for dependent savings
Launching in 2026, Trump Accounts offer a new tax-deferred savings option for dependents, as well as a fresh way for employers to support working families. This blog explains how the accounts work, compares them to existing tools, and outlines key considerations for HR teams.
July 23, 2025
HR tips and tricks
How to offer great benefits on a budget: 21 strategies every nonprofit should know
Nonprofit benefits don’t have to mean choosing between impact and affordability. This guide breaks down cost-saving strategies—from auditing admin errors to rethinking plan design—that help you offer competitive, mission-aligned benefits on a limited budget. With real-world insights and actionable tips, it’s your roadmap to doing more with less, without compromising on care.
Map of the United States at night showing glowing city lights, representing a dispersed workforce across remote, corporate, and frontline locations.
July 17, 2025
HR tips and tricks
Beyond the desk: a guidebook for supporting every corner of your workforce
Dispersed workforces present a unique challenge for HR teams tasked with delivering benefits that feel both fair and relevant. This blog unpacks proven strategies—backed by real-world examples and data—that help HR leaders build inclusive, high-impact programs that resonate across corporate, retail, and frontline teams.
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