Navigating the tariff impact 

Let's talk about something that's probably keeping you up at night if you're managing benefits or budgets: the economic uncertainty we're all dealing with. Between tariffs and inflation, it can feel like we're planning in the dark.

Here's the thing about tariffs — they don't just affect the price of imported goods. They affect everything, including healthcare costs. Employers and employees might not see the effects immediately, but price increases are coming.

If you've been watching healthcare costs over the years, you already know they typically outpace regular inflation by about 4-6%.¹ In this environment, that gap could get even wider.

Comprehensive benefits are a lifeline for employees

So where does this leave you? Your benefits package isn't just a nice-to-have anymore. It's become one of the most important tools for keeping good people and helping them weather rising costs. A 2025 survey found that 82 percent of healthcare industry experts expect tariff-related import expenses to drive up hospital and health system costs by 15% within the next six months.¹ When everything's getting more expensive, comprehensive benefits become a real lifeline for your employees.

In uncertain times like these, great benefits aren't just an employee perk, they're a competitive edge. So what can employers do to not only acknowledge our economic situation but also communicate effectively to engage employees?

Communication is critical in volatile times

Even the most carefully designed benefits package in steadier economic times fails without effective communication. Securian Financial’s research found that employees typically spend less than 30 minutes reviewing their benefit options during enrollment periods. What can employers do to convey the importance of employee benefits during particularly unstable times?

Effective employee engagement means your communication must be:

• Clear and concise, avoiding industry jargon
• Personalized to different employee segments
• Available across multiple channels (digital, print, in-person)
• Focused on real-life scenarios rather than abstract policy details

The Bottom Line

In a tariffed economy, the true value of benefits isn't measured by premium costs alone but by how effectively they protect employees from financial burden while remaining affordable.

By thoughtfully designing enhanced enrollment offers that bridge critical coverage gaps and communicating their value effectively, you transform benefits from a routine expense into a strategic advantage — one that builds loyalty, improves financial wellness, and distinguishes your organization in an increasingly competitive talent marketplace.

The most successful organizations don't just offer benefits; they create protection that responds to the economy while providing genuine security for their most valuable asset: their people.