Planning Ahead: What to Ask Before Q3 Starts
Quarterly planning helps avoid annual mistakes—start smart before Q3 begins.
As Q2 winds down, HR leaders in SMEs have a key opportunity to pause and reassess the impact of their current health benefits. Before launching into another quarter, it’s worth asking: are your plans still aligned with your people’s needs?
Midyear planning isn’t just about compliance or renewals—it’s about being proactive with coverage to reduce costs, boost productivity, and increase satisfaction.
Key Questions to Ask Before Q3 Begins
1. Are our employees actually using their benefits?
Review utilization data from your provider. Are outpatient visits, APEs, or mental health sessions being used—or underused? This may signal awareness gaps or access issues.
2. Have we addressed seasonal health needs?
Flu season, heat-related fatigue, or allergy flare-ups should guide adjustments in preventive care, sick leave policy, and communication campaigns.
3. Are there gaps in coverage for specific roles or locations?
Field workers, night shifts, or remote staff may need special considerations. Is your plan inclusive for all employee types?
4. Do our current benefits align with company retention goals?
If turnover is high among mid-career or working parents, review if your plan supports dependent care, mental wellness, or chronic condition support.
5. Have we communicated clearly and regularly?
Even the best health plans fail if employees don’t understand them. Are you due for a refresher orientation or simplified FAQ rollout?
6. Are we prepared for upcoming renewals or adjustments?
Use this quarter to identify which plan components are working and which need renegotiation or upgrading before year-end.
Practical HR Tip
Build a simple Q3 Planning Checklist. Share it with leadership so health planning becomes a company-wide concern, not just an HR task.
Let’s Plan a Smarter Q3 Together
Schedule a Q3 planning session with Purple Cow and make sure your coverage grows with your team—not just your calendar.
