For many business leaders, fall is all about budgets, forecasting, and planning ahead. It’s also a vital time for HR as companies prepare for open enrollment season, when employees make decisions about health insurance and other benefits for the year ahead.
If you’re feeling underserved by your current provider—or if you’re managing HR functions piecemeal—now is the time to consider a strategic switch that can dramatically improve your employee benefits and overall HR experience.
Changing PEOs or transitioning to one for the first time can feel daunting. But waiting until the last minute can lead to rushed decisions and missed opportunities. Q3 is the best time to evaluate your options. By taking proactive steps now, you can position your business for a smoother open enrollment, more robust benefits, and a dedicated partnership that truly supports your growth.
Why Open Enrollment is the Catalyst for Change
Open Enrollment (OE) is arguably the most crucial HR event of the year. It’s when employees make vital decisions about their health and financial well-being for the coming year. For businesses, it’s a complex, compliance-heavy process that demands precision and clear communication. This makes Q3 the ideal time to evaluate and switch PEOs.
Here’s why:
Make Sure Your Benefits Transition is Seamless
The biggest driver for switching PEOs in Q3 is the opportunity to transition your benefits programs effectively. A new PEO can conduct a thorough review of your current plans, negotiate better rates, and implement a more robust benefits package for the upcoming plan year. Trying to do this in Q4 or Q1 of the new year often leads to rushed decisions or a delay in offering improved benefits.
Enhance the Experience for Your Employees
A PEO’s primary value for employees often lies in the quality and accessibility of their benefits. A new PEO can introduce more competitive health, dental, vision, and ancillary benefits (like 401(k) plans or wellness programs) that your current provider might not offer.
This is particularly vital for small to mid-size businesses that want to compete with larger enterprises for talent. Employees gain access to Fortune 500-level benefits that significantly improve their overall compensation package.
Create a Strategic Planning Window with Your New Partner
Moving in September or October allows ample time for your new PEO partner to onboard your team, integrate systems, and prepare all necessary documentation for a smooth open enrollment period. This strategic window ensures your employees have sufficient time to understand their new options, ask questions, and make informed choices without feeling rushed. It also gives your finance team clear visibility for Q4 budget adjustments and 2026 forecasting.
Ensure Compliance Certainty
With the constant evolution of federal, state, and local regulations (especially pertinent for multi-state teams), OE is a minefield of compliance risks. A new PEO can proactively review your policies and practices, ensuring everything is up to date and that your benefits offerings meet all legal requirements before the new plan year begins. This mitigates the risk of costly penalties and provides peace of mind.
But Isn’t Starting or Switching PEOs Complicated?
This is the question many CFOs and HR leaders wrestle with. Yes, changing providers requires planning. But the right partner will make the process seamless. LBMC Employment Partners specializes in helping businesses transition without disruption. Here’s how:
Personalized On-Site Support
Every LBMC EP client receives a dedicated support team, not a rotating call center. That means when you have a question, you’ll talk to someone who knows your business, your employees, and your challenges. We act as an extension of your team, not a vendor.
We don’t just send you login instructions and disappear. Our team shows up. We’re local, which means we can provide in-person support, as needed, during onboarding, open enrollment, and beyond. That presence reduces stress and builds confidence across your organization.
Access to Better Benefits
We have the experience and resources to deliver competitive, high-quality benefits packages that rival those of larger employers. That includes healthcare, retirement plans, voluntary benefits, and compliance support, all tailored to your workforce.
Expert Transition Team
Our team specializes in managing seamless transitions. We handle the intricacies of data migration, compliance reviews, and employee communication. Whether you’re moving from another PEO or consolidating HR functions into an all-in-one provider, our process minimizes disruption and ensures a smooth handover, allowing you to focus on your core business.
Strategic HR Partnership
Our goal is to be a strategic partner, offering proactive guidance on HR policies, employee relations, performance management, and risk mitigation. We help you build an HR foundation that supports your company’s future, particularly for growth-stage businesses and those facing multi-state complexities.
Making the Switch with Confidence
If you’re questioning the value of your current provider, now is the time to explore alternatives. Don’t wait another year to get more from your HR partner.
Ready to explore a better HR partnership? Contact LBMC Employment Partners today for a free consultation and discover how a PEO switch can benefit your business. You can also explore our resource center for insights into all aspects of your HR strategy.
