Top Compliance Pitfalls: Does Your Employee Benefits Strategy Still Fit?

The compliance landscape is cumbersome and complex. At SWBC Employee Benefits Consulting Group, we understand that benefits compliance isn’t a static process. It shifts with new regulations, workforce changes, and evolving business priorities. What worked five years ago may now feel outdated or misaligned.

Compliance is like a tailored suit: it requires precision, attention to detail, and regular adjustments to maintain the perfect fit. A one-size-fits-all approach simply does not work when the stakes include regulatory penalties, employee dissatisfaction, and reputational damage. In fact, the Department of Labor and IRS have increased enforcement efforts, and penalties for noncompliance can reach thousands of dollars per employee.

Using a Generic Fit for ERISA and ACA

Many organizations rely on generic compliance templates or outdated processes that fail to address their unique structure. This often leads to costly mistakes such as outdated plan documents, incomplete form filings and reporting errors.

These errors can trigger audits, fines, and reputational damage. For example, an incorrect ACA coding can lead to thousands in penalties per employee.

We conduct a comprehensive review of your plan documents, filings, and administrative processes. Then we align every detail with regulatory requirements. This ensures your compliance strategy is not only accurate but also defensible during audits.

Failing to Anticipate What’s Next

Compliance is not a fixed destination. It is a moving target shaped by new laws, shifting standards, and changing expectations. Organizations that treat compliance as a one-time project often find themselves scrambling when the rules change.

The real challenge is not what you know today—it is what is coming tomorrow. Staying ahead requires foresight, adaptability, and a partner who understands how emerging trends will impact your business. Without that, even well-structured plans can fall behind, creating risk that is hard to correct after the fact.

At SWBC Employee Benefits Consulting Group, we do more than react. We anticipate. Our team monitors developments, interprets their impact, and integrates updates into your strategy before they become urgent. This proactive approach keeps your compliance program strong and future-ready.

Overlooking the Human Side of Administration

Compliance is not just about rules and regulations, it's about people. When administrative processes break down, employees feel the impact first. Missed enrollment windows, unclear communication, and inconsistent handling of life events can lead to frustration and erode trust in your benefits program.

These gaps do more than create compliance risk. They affect morale, productivity, and retention. Employees who do not understand their benefits or experience delays in coverage often turn to competitors offering clearer, more reliable support.

We help organizations create administrative systems that work for both the business and its people. By simplifying processes, improving communication, and ensuring timely follow-through, we keep your compliance strong while enhancing the employee experience.

Ready to Step Back Into the Fitting Room?

Adjusting the fit is part of growth. Regulations evolve, your workforce changes, and yesterday’s compliance strategy may not hold tomorrow. At SWBC Employee Benefits Consulting Group, we have re-patterned, refined, and reinforced our approach so your benefits program is not only compliant but also aligned with your business objectives.

Now is the perfect time to reconnect. We’ll review your current plan documents, governance processes, and vendor obligations, then deliver a prioritized action plan tailored to your organization.

Tailored for you, again. Let us help you achieve a perfect fit.

Related Categories

Regulations & Compliance

Andrew Grove

Andrew Grove is CEO of SWBC’s Employee Benefits Consulting Group, where he has been a key leader since joining the company in 2013. With over 30 years of industry experience, Andrew has established himself as a seasoned expert in delivering tailored solutions to employers of all sizes. His professional journey includes 20 years as an executive at Humana, where he honed his skills in strategic planning, client relations, and benefits consulting. Andrew’s deep understanding of the industry and his commitment to excellence have made him a trusted advisor to many. Andrew attended The University of Texas at San Antonio, is a Health Insurance Associate (HIA) Designee, a Managed Healthcare Professional (MHP) designee, Life Underwriters Training Council (LUTC) graduate and has received numerous awards for outstanding sales achievement. He currently serves on the Producer Advisory Board for United Concordia Dental and the National Broker Advisory Board for UnitedHealthcare.