I’m honored to have recently been featured in a Forbes Business Council article discussing the key midyear questions every CEO should ask to keep their organizations on track for success.
The article, “Key Midyear Questions Every CEO Should Ask,” brings together insights from business leaders across multiple industries on how executives can evaluate performance, identify opportunities, and prepare for the second half of the year.
Read the Forbes Business Council article here:
Employee Benefits Should Be Part of Every CEO’s Midyear Review
Healthcare costs continue to be one of the largest operating expenses for many organizations, yet employee benefits often receive attention only during renewal season.
I believe that approach misses valuable opportunities.
Instead of waiting until renewal, CEOs should regularly ask:
- Are our healthcare costs increasing faster than expected?
- Are our employee benefits helping us recruit and retain top talent?
- Are we using data to guide our benefits decisions?
- Are there funding strategies that could improve long-term financial predictability?
- Are we getting the return on investment we expect from our benefits program?
These questions move employee benefits beyond administration and position them as part of an organization’s overall business strategy.
Healthcare Costs Require Strategic Planning
Every organization measures financial performance throughout the year.
Healthcare spending should be no different.
Organizations that regularly review claims trends, enrollment patterns, funding options, and employee utilization are better positioned to make informed decisions before renewal season.
Rather than reacting to premium increases, employers can proactively evaluate opportunities to improve cost efficiency while maintaining competitive benefits.
Benchmarking Creates Better Decisions
One of the most effective ways to evaluate your employee benefits strategy is through benchmarking.
Comparing your healthcare costs against employer benchmark data can help answer important questions, including:
- Are we paying more than similar employers?
- Are our plan designs competitive?
- Would a different funding strategy better support our business goals?
- Are we maximizing the value of our healthcare investment?
At JS Benefits Group, we’ve developed a free Employee Benefits Benchmark Calculator to help employers begin that conversation.
Compare your organization’s healthcare costs here:
https://jsbenefitsgroup.com/employee-benefits-benchmark-calculator/
Midyear Is the Right Time to Evaluate Your Strategy
Waiting until renewal often limits your options.
Conducting a midyear review gives organizations time to:
- Evaluate healthcare spending trends
- Explore level-funded health plan opportunities
- Review employee engagement
- Identify compliance requirements
- Prepare for a stronger renewal strategy
If you’re interested in learning more about alternative funding strategies, explore our guide to Level-Funded Health Plans:
https://jsbenefitsgroup.com/level-funded-health-plans/
Looking Ahead
The most successful organizations don’t simply react to rising healthcare costs—they plan for them.
As business leaders continue evaluating their organizations throughout the year, employee benefits deserve a place in every executive conversation.
Healthcare strategy affects recruiting, employee retention, financial planning, and long-term growth. Treating benefits as a strategic investment rather than an annual administrative task can create meaningful advantages for both employers and employees.
Ready to Evaluate Your Employee Benefits Strategy?
At JS Benefits Group, we help employers develop data-driven employee benefits strategies that improve financial performance while supporting their workforce.
Whether you’re evaluating healthcare costs, exploring alternative funding arrangements, or preparing for your next renewal, our team is here to help.
Helpful Resources
Employee Benefits Benchmark Calculator
https://jsbenefitsgroup.com/employee-benefits-benchmark-calculator/
Employee Benefits Solutions
https://jsbenefitsgroup.com/employee-benefits-solutions/
Level-Funded Health Plans
https://jsbenefitsgroup.com/level-funded-health-plans/
Request a Complimentary Benefits Strategy Consultation
https://jsbenefitsgroup.com/request-consultation-form-group-health-benefits/
About Jennifer Schaefer
Jennifer Schaefer, MBA, CLU, ChFC, RHU, REBC, SHRM-SCP is the Founder & CEO of JS Benefits Group, where she helps employers reduce healthcare costs through strategic employee benefits consulting, compliance guidance, healthcare benchmarking, and innovative funding strategies.
Jennifer is a Forbes Business Council Contributor and Co-Host of Executive Leaders Radio, where she regularly shares insights on employee benefits, healthcare cost management, leadership, and the future of work.
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