New Hire Enrollment

For HR professionals, you expect new hires to have questions. And you can almost be certain you’ll hear, “How long do I have to enroll in benefits?” This is an excellent and understandable question, and the answer can vary, depending on your organization’s policies. 

While it’s typical for employees to be eligible for benefits on their first day of work, the window of time for new employees to enroll in benefits can vary by employer. This period is often referred to as the “enrollment period” or “new hire enrollment period.” It typically lasts for a few weeks, ranging from 30-60 days from the date of hire. Once the enrollment period ends, employees are generally unable to enroll in benefits until the next open enrollment period. 

With that said, it’s essential for new hires to understand that failing to enroll during the enrollment period can lead to a lapse in coverage. This can be particularly problematic for those who need immediate medical attention or require ongoing treatment for a condition. 

Employers who take a vested interest in ensuring their employees have access to benefits, (according to the SHRM, 98% of organizations offer some type of health coverage to their employees) understand that doing so can lead to improved productivity, lower turnover rates and increased job satisfaction. Ultimately, however; it’s the responsibility of the employee to understand their enrollment period and take action to enroll in benefits within the allotted time frame. Employers should do due diligence, however, to ensure key dates have been communicated to all employees but especially when new hires come on board.