Q4 Kick-Off: Reassessing Your Health Goals for SMEs

End the year stronger—use Q4 to realign your team’s health goals.

The final quarter of the year is here—and for SMEs, Q4 is more than just a sprint to hit business targets. It’s also the perfect checkpoint to ask: Are our employees’ health needs being met?

After 9 months of operations, SMEs have enough data to evaluate what’s working, what isn’t, and what adjustments can still be made before year-end. A Q4 health benefits review ensures your team ends the year supported and ready for 2026.

Why Q4 is the Best Time for a Health Benefits Check-In

✔ You have 9 months of data on utilization and claims
✔ Employees are entering high-stress periods (sales peaks, year-end targets, holidays)
✔ Flu season overlaps with Q4, increasing health risks
✔ Renewals and budget planning for the next year are approaching

Proactive HR leaders use Q4 not just to close the year, but to prepare for the next cycle of benefits and renewals.

Key Metrics to Review This Quarter

1. Benefit Utilization Rates

• Are employees completing their Annual Physical Exams (APEs)?

• Are outpatient visits, reimbursements, or mental health add-ons being used?

• Low usage could mean poor awareness, not lack of need.

2. Absenteeism and Sick Leave Trends

• Did sick leaves drop compared to previous quarters?

• Are there spikes tied to seasonal health issues?

3. Reimbursement Types

• What kinds of claims are being reimbursed?

• Frequent out-of-network claims may signal the need to expand provider access.

4. Employee Feedback

• Run a quick pulse survey: Do you understand your benefits? Do you feel supported by them?

5. ROI vs. Budget

• Match usage data against costs. Are you getting value for what you’re paying, or are adjustments needed for 2026?

Action Steps for HR and SME Owners

1. Reintroduce Underused Benefits
Highlight preventive care like APEs, dental add-ons, or mental health consults through reminders and orientations.

2. Align Benefits with Year-End Needs
Holiday stress, flu outbreaks, and travel risks increase in Q4—ensure employees know what’s covered.

3. Prepare Renewal Questions
If your plan isn’t meeting expectations, Q4 is the time to gather data and prepare negotiations for next year.

4. Use Digital Tools to Track and Educate
Promote SmilePH for claims and Doctor Anywhere for consults. These tools improve access, especially during peak workloads.

Start Q4 Strong with a Focused Review

Book a Q4 benefits review with Purple Cow and ensure your health plan reflects real usage, supports seasonal needs, and prepares your team for a stronger year ahead.