Health care costs are set to rise at their fastest pace in more than 15 years, according to SHRM’s recent report. For employers, 2026 will bring difficult decisions about balancing cost management with employee wellbeing. For employees, it could mean higher premiums, fewer options, and less take-home pay if organizations don’t take proactive steps.

This environment makes one thing clear: regularly reviewing your benefits plan should no longer be considered optional; it’s essential. Companies that fail to act risk overspending on underperforming benefits while their employees struggle to access affordable, comprehensive care.

Why Benefits Reviews Should Be Standard Practice

Every organization should make benefits evaluation a routine part of its strategic planning. Benefits are often one of the top three expenses for employers, yet too many organizations set their plan and forget it. With health care costs climbing sharply, that approach leaves companies vulnerable to rising premiums, outdated plan designs, and missed opportunities for cost savings.

Regular reviews ensure two critical outcomes:

1. You’re not spending unnecessary money on coverage that no longer matches workforce needs.
2. Your employees receive the richest benefits possible at the lowest reasonable cost.

Periodic evaluations also create space to benchmark your offerings against industry standards, ensuring your benefits remain competitive.

The Link Between Benefits and Employee Happiness

Health benefits are more than a line item on a budget. They are a cornerstone of employee wellbeing and job satisfaction. When employees have access to high-quality, affordable health care, they:

• Experience greater peace of mind and less financial stress.
• Enjoy more take-home pay thanks to lower out-of-pocket costs.
• Feel valued by their employer, which directly impacts morale and engagement.

From the employer’s perspective, investing in strong benefits pays off in measurable ways:

• Retention: Employees are more likely to stay when they feel their organization supports their wellbeing.
• Attraction: Competitive benefits are often a deciding factor for top talent.
• Productivity: Healthy employees are more engaged and less likely to miss work.
• Cost savings: Preventing turnover and absenteeism ultimately saves money.

Navigating Benefits Challenges

Organizations face increasing complexity in managing employee benefits, from rising healthcare costs to ensuring coverage meets workforce needs. SHRM-Atlanta offers resources that help members explore practical approaches to these issues.

AHRIA Benefits Program

In collaboration with McGriff, a benefits advisor with extensive industry knowledge, SHRM-Atlanta members can access healthcare strategies designed to address current cost and coverage challenges. The program emphasizes solutions that adapt to organizational needs rather than one-size-fits-all plans. Even if a provider change isn’t on the horizon, requesting a quote through the AHRIA Benefits Program can provide insights into potential savings or opportunities to enhance benefit offerings.

SHRM-Atlanta HR Directory

For organizations exploring all options, the HR Directory highlights resource partners who work closely with SHRM-Atlanta and the HR community. It is a centralized tool for discovering providers with experience supporting HR professionals across a range of benefit-related services.

Why You Can’t Afford to Wait

With the steepest increase in health benefit costs in over a decade on the horizon, waiting to react could be costly for both your company and your people. By taking proactive steps now, you can:

• Identify cost-saving opportunities before premiums climb higher.
• Protect employees’ financial wellbeing by offering competitive coverage.
• Position your company as an employer of choice in a competitive labor market.
• Build a relationship with trusted partners who can guide you through future challenges.

Take Action Today

Health care costs aren’t slowing down, but you don’t have to face this challenge alone. SHRM-Atlanta is here to be a primary sources for workplace solutions, whether through the specialized expertise of the AHRIA Benefits Program powered by McGriff or the diverse partner connections available in the HR Directory.

Now is the time to review your benefits strategy. Don’t wait until rising costs cut into your budget or your employees’ paychecks. Take the first step today: explore the AHRIA Benefits Program or visit the HR Directory to discover the right partners for your organization.