Insights

It’s Teacher Appreciation Week, and If you’re a caregiver to a school-aged child, you may have attended a celebratory breakfast or contributed to a classroom gift in honor of the millions of educators across this nation who are shaping future generations. Teaching is consistently cited as one of the most rewarding paid professions in the […]

Last week, Empyrean welcomed over 150 attendees to EVOLVE23, its annual invitation-only conference. This year’s event was held at the Hyatt Regency Downtown Savannah along the city’s famed waterfront. The theme for EVOLVE23 was “Connecting Benefits, Enriching Lives”, which aligns with the organization’s corporate mission. Educational programming presented throughout the conference was centered around the […]

Connecting Benefits, Enriching Lives Empyrean has released its full conference agenda and speaker lineup for EVOLVE, which will feature some of the industry’s top thought leaders and HR and benefits experts. DATE: April 12-14, 2023 LOCATION: The Hyatt Regency Savannah The theme for this year’s event is “Connecting Benefits, Enriching Lives”, which is also Empyrean’s […]

Houston, TX. [Feb. 20, 2023] Empyrean, (www.goempyrean.com), a company committed to building better corporate cultures through benefits, today announced the acquisition of employee communication and engagement platform Enspire. Through the acquisition, Empyrean adds an expanded people-centric dimension to its innovative benefits administration technology and compassionate support services. Called +YOU, the new solution integrates Enspire’s employee […]

A Connected and Personalized People Experience Can Help You Overcome 2023’s Top Employer Challenges  The past few years have presented challenge after challenge for employers, making it harder than ever for HR teams to support their people and reach their goals. Workforces are more dispersed than ever, turnover is high, engagement is low, and it […]

Organizations are facing unprecedented challenges impacting their workplaces, from managing through the COVID-19 pandemic, to attracting and retaining talent during the Great Resignation and labor shortages, to ensuring employee engagement as reports of “quiet quitting” trends continue to climb. These challenges have driven a concentrated shift away from viewing the benefits administration function as a […]

Get the personalized insights you need to become a more strategic benefits leader with our online, interactive Benefits Maturity Assessment. 

Houston, TX. [Aug. 19, 2022] Empyrean (www.goempyrean.com), a leading technology and service-focused employee benefits administration provider, has announced that Kelly Knick has joined the growing organization as a Director of Channel Enablement. In this role, Knick will focus on building and nurturing broker and carrier relationships across the country. “Kelly has been a wonderful addition […]

Connecting Benefits, Enriching Lives Empyrean is excited to announce that EVOLVE will be held from April 12-14 at Savannah’s Hyatt Regency along the city’s historical riverfront. The theme for our upcoming EVOLVE conference is “Connecting Benefits, Enriching Lives”, a topic closely aligned with our mission to deliver optimized and connected benefit experiences to the over […]

Houston, TX. [May 18, 2022] Empyrean, (www.goempyrean.com), a leading technology and service-focused employee benefits administration provider, has announced that Ken Gooch has joined their expanding sales team as Director of Channel Enablement. In this role, Gooch will focus on building valuable partnerships to accelerate Empyrean’s growth across all U.S. regions.   “As an industry veteran, […]

Houston, TX. [April 26, 2022] Empyrean, (www.goempyrean.com), a leading technology and service-centric employee benefits administration provider, has announced the addition of Maureen Gardner to their growing sales team. In this role, Gardner will focus on strengthening Empyrean’s presence in the Plains region, developing employer and broker relationships with a focus on groups above 5,000 benefits […]

CHROs, benefits leaders, and members of the C-suite continue to recognize the strong influence their employee benefits program has over their ability to attract and retain their top talent. Unfortunately, a rich, well-designed benefits program is not enough to drive the strong employer brands and workplace cultures that make an organization an employer of choice […]

Empyrean is excited to welcome some of the industry’s top thought leaders and benefits experts to EVOLVE/22! DATE: April 6-8, 2022LOCATION: The Hutton Hotel, Nashville Building Culture Through Benefits The theme for this invitation-only event is “Building Culture Through Benefits”, and from our high-energy opening keynote all the way through our closing session, our dynamic […]

Houston, TX. [March 18, 2022] Empyrean, (www.goempyrean.com), a leading technology and service-centric employee benefits administration provider, has announced that Randy Alvarez has joined the organization as Director of Business Development. In this role, Alvarez will concentrate on the continued expansion of Empyrean’s presence in the Northeast, developing employer and broker relationships in this region focusing […]

As we enter the third year of pandemic-era life, it is clear that the way American workers view their employers, benefit programs, and overall workplaces has changed, creating both a significant and lasting impact on the HR and benefits space. Our 2022 Benefit Trends Report uncovers the year’s top five trends influencing the state of […]

Webinar presented by Dr. Kristin Tugman, VP Health + Productivity, Prudential | Desta Millner, Empyrean | Melanie Haniph, HR Consultant. The COVID-19 pandemic has created physical, mental, and financial challenges that American workers have never faced before, causing employers to quickly shift their benefit strategies to one in support of total employee wellness. A recent study […]

Insights and Advice from an Empyrean Expert The role of our HR and benefits leaders continues to evolve and expand, and now our human resources teams are at the forefront of the battle to ensure both company and employee data remains protected and secure in our increasingly digitized world. Gone are the days when only […]

Read our Decision Support Guide to learn about the top 5 factors to consider when evaluating recommendation engine platforms. Understand how predictive analytics can help employees understand future risks and costs, and what to look out for when comparing platforms to ensure you get the best fit for your needs.

Since the start of the pandemic, company benefits have played an increasingly important role in helping organizations protect the safety, wellness, and health of their employees. This is increasingly the case, not only for physical wellness, but organizations now have greater awareness of mental health and financial wellness impacts on their staff given recent challenges […]

Houston, TX. [Jan. 19, 2022] Empyrean, (www.goempyrean.com), a leading employee benefits administration service and technology provider, has announced the addition of Katie McCabe to their rapidly expanding sales team. In this newly created role, McCabe will focus on the continued development of Empyrean’s presence throughout New York State, working to build employer, broker, and carrier […]

Empyrean is excited to announce that this year’s EVOLVE conference will be held in beautiful Nashville, TN from April 6-8, 2022. The theme for EVOLVE/22 is “Building Culture Through Benefits”, with an educational agenda focused on the strong connection between the role benefits can play in building company culture and the positive organizational outcomes gained […]

Houston, TX. [Nov 2, 2021] Leading employee benefits administration service and technology provider, Empyrean (www.goempyrean.com), has announced that Rob Veatch has joined the growing organization as Director, Business Development, supporting the central region. In this role, Veatch will focus on the continued development of Empyrean’s presence in the Upper Midwest, expanding on broker and client […]

Houston, TX. [Oct. 12, 2021] Empyrean, (www.goempyrean.com), a leading benefits administration technology platform and service provider, has announced that industry veteran Kelly Clark has joined the organization as Chief Information & Technology Officer. A proven technology leader in the HR and employee benefits space with vast experience driving business transformation through IT modernization, Clark will […]

Houston, TX. [Oct. 11, 2021] Empyrean (www.goempyrean.com), a leading benefits administration technology platform and service provider, announces the launch of its new website and brand messaging aligned with the organization’s mission to help employers create positive workplace cultures by connecting their employees to life-enriching benefits. Empyrean’s new brand message makes a strong connection between the […]

Houston, TX. [Oct. 5, 2021] Empyrean Benefit Solutions, Inc. (www.goempyrean.com), a leading technology and service-focused employee benefits administration provider, has announced that Chris Melanson has joined the organization as Director, Business Development. In this role, Melanson will focus on the continued development of Empyrean’s presence in the eastern U.S., building employer and broker relationships in […]

Six Ways to Better Educate Employees About Their Benefit Enrollment Options Each year, HR and benefit teams put Herculean efforts into designing and building benefit plans that best support their employee populations. And it’s no wonder why – robust health and wellness benefit programs are linked to better employee and attraction outcomes and overall company […]

Houston, TX. [June 1, 2021] Empyrean Benefit Solutions, Inc. (www.goempyrean.com), a leading technology and service-focused employee benefits administration provider, has announced that Mike Boyles will join the organization as Strategic Director of Business Development. In this role, Boyles will focus on continuing to develop Empyrean’s presence in the southeastern U.S. “Mike is an industry veteran […]

The COVID-19 pandemic led to surge in new pet adoption and ownership across the U.S. According to a pulse survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association (APPA), as of October 2020, more than 11 million American households had brought home a new pet since the start of the pandemic. The benefits of pet ownership […]

The pandemic has changed the workplace forever, creating seismic shifts in the way employees measure and interact with their benefit programs and offerings. Employers have been forced to view benefits and their resulting employee impact through a new lens, requiring organizations to adopt new strategies and approaches to support their employees’ evolving physical, mental, and […]

This upcoming Annual Enrollment may be unique, but the right planning, partners, and proactive solutions will allow you to bring greater peace of mind to your employees – even during these uncertain times. Read Part 1 of this post here. The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in a workforce that is more scattered than ever before. […]

Annual Enrollment is the central moment that defines the success of your benefits strategy, and this year the stakes are higher than ever. Discover how your HR team can cut through the noise to deliver positive results for your employees and business. More employees are working from home than ever before, parents are juggling conference […]

By Rich Wolfe, Chief Executive Officer and Steve Campbell, Chief Human Resources Officer In part two of our series, we take a closer look at how perspectives on the typical office environment and employee wellness will shift after COVID-19. For part one of this post series, please click here. Reimagining of the Traditional Office From […]

This year’s Benefit Trends Report from Empyrean offers key insights into the structure of employee benefit programs moving into the coronavirus pandemic, as well as indications of how benefits may evolve in a post-COVID-19 world. Today, Human Resource professionals are facing the most challenging moments of their careers, juggling the unique impacts of the pandemic […]

By Rich Wolfe, Chief Executive Officer and Steve Campbell, Chief Human Resources Officer In this first post of this two-part series, we examine several ways in which COVID-19 has changed how and where work gets done, and explore how these effects may shape the future of work in a post-pandemic world. In just a short […]

By Rich Wolfe, Chief Executive Officer While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact millions of Americans, so too do systemic injustices against African Americans and people of color. As a company that is a proud of our diverse and inclusive workforce, Empyrean supports the nationwide call to bring an end to racial inequality and violence. […]

By Steve Campbell, Chief Human Resources Officer COVID-19 is a dynamic and rapidly-evolving situation that can present quite a few challenges when it comes to your communication strategy. Here are a few more tips to help you craft and distribute messages that will impact and resonate with your employees. Click here for part 1 of […]

By Steve Campbell, Chief Human Resources Officer Employers are navigating uncharted territory when communicating to their workforce regarding COVID-19. From managing your newly remote workforce to announcing policy updates and next steps for workplace re-openings, these quick tips will help you reach your employees while demonstrating care and compassion. Keep an Open Dialogue Your employees […]

By Rich Wolfe, Chief Executive Officer As many states begin relaxing stay-at-home orders and businesses prepare to reopen, Empyrean remains focused on helping our clients and participants navigate the latest impacts to their benefits while keeping our employees protected. HR teams all across the country are grappling with the sudden changes and uncertainty brought on […]

By Colleen Waymel, Chief Operating Officer The right support will help you keep pace with the fast-moving demands of the novel coronavirus pandemic (and future-proof your benefits approach) without getting overwhelmed. Right now, HR professionals are facing some of the most challenging moments of their careers. Across nearly every industry, Human Resources teams are balancing […]

By Rich Wolfe, Chief Executive Officer In just a few short weeks, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected countless lives and businesses. Now more than ever, you need a partner that you can rely on, and your employees need access to benefits support they can trust. Learn what the Empyrean Team is doing to keep your […]

Empyrean is committed to ensuring the health and safety of our customers, participants, and colleagues as officials and organizations work together to contain the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. Here are the latest details you need to know. COVID-19 has prompted an unprecedented time for companies, employees, and their families nationwide. With many questions surrounding this fast-moving […]

As working away from the office becomes the new normal, how can you reach employees that work outside of the office, on their feet, or without email – without adding to your workload? Modern technology is allowing people to connect across distances, channels, and even workspaces like never before. Today’s workforce is more mobile than […]

Avoid common compromises – and reduce your risk of poor choice and project failure – by understanding what sets successful benefits administration solutions apart. Employers offer benefits to stay competitive in a tight talent market and maintain happy employees. However, your employee benefits experience is not dictated solely by the health insurance, retirement benefits, life […]

Annual Enrollment (AE) season is here for many employers, but how well prepared are you to engage employees once Open Enrollment season is all wrapped up? For some employees, AE (or OE) can be the only time of year when they are engaged with their benefits – and disengaged employees can take a serious toll […]

Few employers can afford the financial and compliance risks of a subpar benefits administration technology provider, but many may not realize when their vendor causes them to compromise. These three essentials will help you avoid unnecessary compromises and find the best partner for your business. Bringing true value to your organization requires relevant experience, insightful […]

Empyrean has been named one of 30 exceptional companies for job seekers. The list of employers was curated by The Muse, a leading website for job opportunities and professional advice. Empyrean was the only benefits administration company to make the nationwide list, which includes other top organizations such as Dropbox and TripAdvisor. Companies were selected […]

Is benefits administration outsourcing right for you? Whether you are considering outsourcing for the first time, or are a seasoned outsourcer searching for a better-fitting solution, make sure you know what points to consider before making your next move. As health care and employee benefit programs become increasingly more complex, time consuming, and subject to […]

Annual enrollment (AE) might be your busiest time of the year, but it doesn’t have to mean long nights and looming headaches. With the right planning and support, this AE can be your easiest and most effective yet.

Finances are a major source of employee stress, and can negatively impact your employees’ productivity, health, and happiness. With so much riding on financial wellbeing, financial wellness is gaining popularity in the realm of employee benefits. How can you help employees address their health and wealth, while ensuring a valuable return on your investment? Empyrean’s […]

By Jim Priebe, Executive Vice President, Product We live in a data-driven world that allows for high personalization in the consumer experience, from retail to airfare. So, it’s no surprise that your employees want their benefits to offer a similar experience. If you think that level of personalization is far off into the future, I’m […]

Automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning are changing the way many organizations do business – but what does this mean for HR’s undeniably human-centric work? Empyrean’s new At-A-Glance Guide, Analytics and AI in HR, explores how businesses can leverage AI, machine learning, and data analysis to achieve better benefit outcomes. Download this free guide […]

This marks the fifth consecutive year that Empyrean’s CEO and Co-Founder has received this prestigious honor. Over nearly 12 years, Rich Wolfe has grown Empyrean to serve over 3 million participants across more than 400 clients, with tens of millions of visits to its online solutions. Today, the benefits administration technology firm serves all major […]

Benefits are a fast-evolving business, and findings from Empyrean’s 2019 Benefit Trends Report demonstrate that this evolution continues as quickly as ever. Among this year’s findings: employers are focused on delivering coverage choice in addition to managing costs, offering competitive and comprehensive options that expand beyond the basics, and helping families make the most of […]

By Jim Priebe, Executive Vice President, Product After completing more than 1,500 hours of training to navigate the skies, it’s not surprising that pilots are among the most trusted professionals in America. Similarly, Empyrean’s recommendation engine helps employees navigate their benefit choices and determine their best coverage “destinations” – so it’s fitting that we’ve launched […]

By Jill Hernandez, Director of Specialty Insurance Solutions It’s February, which means love is in the air…and unfortunately, so are germs. You don’t have to be a medical professional to know that doctor’s offices are especially crowded this time of year, with low temperatures bringing lower immune systems. Employers no doubt are struggling to find […]

Benefits administration technology is reshaping the way employees engage with their benefits—and decision-support tools are a significant factor driving this change. To accommodate the needs of a diverse workforce, however, HR leaders must consider the quality and context of the tools and technology they leverage.

The request for proposal (RFP) is a key element when evaluating benefit administration providers. RFP responses can provide a look under the hood of a potential partner’s solution and services, but in order to get the most value from the RFP process, it’s crucial that your questionnaire goes beyond a simple “check-the-box” exercise.

Voluntary benefits are increasingly essential to employee peace of mind and financial wellbeing, but many employees still struggle to understand how their supplemental plans work. This confusion results in coverage gaps and limited job satisfaction – but a tailored enrollment and benefits experience can help.

As employers enter the second-half of the year, many HR professionals are also rapidly approaching their company’s Annual Enrollment (AE) period. AE is the busiest time of the year for most benefit teams – but planning a successful AE doesn’t have to be stressful.

Empyrean has been recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the fastest-growing private companies in America for the sixth consecutive year.

HR is a central pillar of every employer’s success, but many organizations struggle to leverage the full impact that Human Resources can have on their businesses. How can you demonstrate value as a strategic leader and increase C-suite support for your initiatives?

2018 marks Empyrean’s third consecutive year on the Houston Business Journal’s list of the 100 fastest growing private businesses in the Greater Houston area. Empyrean has also been honored as an Enterprise Champion finalist.

Rich Wolfe has been selected as one of the leading CEOs in Houston by the Houston Business Journal.

In today’s tight talent market, benefits are an increasingly important factor in determining employee satisfaction and company success. Proactive HR leaders are staying ahead of the curve by empowering participants with personalized resources to meet their diverse needs. How does your approach compare?

The 2018 award marks the fourth year in a row that Empyrean’s CEO and Co-Founder has been the recipient of EY’s prestigious honor.

Over a year into the Trump presidency and the fate of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is still as unclear as ever, at least for employers. The Internal Revenue Service has made no move to alter companies’ ACA compliance and reporting requirements – even as the Individual Mandate becomes obsolete in 2019. And after years […]

Employee benefits can be a demanding part of your daily business – but this doesn’t have to be the case. A best-in-class benefits administration partner will give your team the boost needed to make the most out of each day. But what should you expect from a premier provider?

Empyrean won awards in three categories of the 12th Annual Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. This is the company’s first year participating in the competition, which drew over 2,500 nominations from businesses and industries around the world.

An engaging employee wellness program can bring about positive and lasting change that can benefit your workforce and your bottom line. But what is the best way to drive wellness success without burdening your team?

Empyrean is proud to be recognized as a finalist in three categories of the 2018 Stevie Awards for Sales and Customer Service.

Staying ahead of risks is a critical priority for HR leaders, but ever-evolving regulations and shifting complexities make it challenging. Concerns can quickly spiral into major issues that are costly and time-consuming to resolve – but smarter solutions will help you take a more proactive approach to human resources risk management.

The Houston Business Journal has spotlighted Empyrean’s new headquarters in a recent article.

Introduction Benefits are one of the most important and influential factors affecting employees’ job satisfaction. 84% of employees that are highly satisfied with their benefits also say they are highly satisfied with their job.1

Benefits administration technology is reshaping the way employees engage with their benefits – and decision support tools are a significant factor driving this change. To accommodate the needs of a diverse workforce, however, HR leaders must consider the quality and context of the resources they leverage.

Annual enrollment (AE) is approaching fast. For all the time and effort HR teams dedicate to this yearly event, however, many employees remain disinterested or anxious when it comes to shopping for their benefits. How can you and your team ensure a successful annual enrollment?

The Houston Business Journal has named Empyrean as one of Houston’s largest business-to-business software developers for the second year in a row.

In response to rising pressures, many employers are turning to high deductible health plans (HDHPs) to meet the needs of both their businesses and employees. Combined with an health savings account (HSA), an HDHP can prove to be a mutually beneficial option for both businesses and workers, but your success is dependent on how these […]

Introduction HR leaders make it their mission to protect and provide for employees, most notably through the benefits they offer. Competitive coverage is not just critical for recruitment and retention purposes; it also has tremendous effects on the well-being and security of employees and their families. As health insurance premiums rise, however, the cost of […]

Empyrean was named to the Inc. 5000 list for the fifth year in a row. Fewer than a tenth of Inc. 5000 honorees achieve five years on the list – We’re proud of our growth over the course of our ten year history. To make the list, companies must meet certain revenue requirements and be […]

The Houston Business Journal has honored Empyrean as one of Houston’s fastest growing companies for the second year in a row.

Results from this year’s Empyrean Annual Enrollment survey indicates HR leaders’ growing interest in consumer-driven plans, as well as the need to maintain strategic control to adapt to rapid business changes.

Empyrean CEO and Co-Founder Rich Wolfe has been named one of the year’s top rated CEOs by Owler.com.

More and more employers are exploring automated solutions to address the increasingly complex challenges of administering their employee health and welfare benefits programs. Today, 6 in 10 employers feel overwhelmed by the increasing complexity of their benefits program management.1 However, some HR teams hesitate outsourcing these functions due to five common myths and misconceptions.

Whether outsourcing your benefits administration for the first time or making the switch to a new vendor, it’s important to consider your current and future responsibilities and goals alongside your internal capabilities. Which route best aligns with your benefit needs and challenges?

Today Empyrean announced a record start in 2017 revenue, continuing the company’s strong progress from the end of 2016. Record new client additions, high customer retention, and the successful entry into the small/mid-size business (SMB) market confirm the benefits administration technology and services firm is meeting and exceeding employers’ increasingly complex demands for smarter, more […]

For the third year in a row, Rich Wolfe has received this prestigious recognition for his vision and determination in leading Empyrean to year-over-year success.

Today HR can utilize a traditional benefits administration offering, marketplace or private exchange, or – with the support of a modern technology platform – implement both simultaneously to execute a hybrid strategy. But each organization faces unique challenges, meaning no strategy is a one-size-fits-all. To determine the right fit, employers must carefully consider strategic and […]

Employee Benefit News has named Empyrean CEO and Co-Founder Rich Wolfe one of the top 21 innovators shaping the benefits technology landscape today.

There are many factors to consider when evaluating a prospective benefits administration platform. While the technology powering your solution is a critical component, it is not the sole indicator of future success. Given the complex and ever-evolving nature of employee benefits, even the most robust tools require knowledgeable service and support to realize optimal efficiency.

Seeing a potential platform in action is an important part of any technology decision. However, there are several elements that are difficult to judge during a demo – but can end up having the biggest impact on your solution’s overall success.

Owler.com has named Empyrean one of Houston’s hottest companies, based on the service’s 2016 data.

Our consistent and rapid growth has again been recognized by the Houston Business Journal. Empyrean has earned a place on the publication’s recent Fast Tech 25 list, and ranked 4th on its list of Largest B2B Software & App Developers.

Empyrean has been named as the one of the fastest-growing private companies in the greater Houston metropolitan area by the Houston Business Journal!

Congratulations to Empyrean Co-founder and CEO Rich Wolfe, and Co-founder and Chairman Dave Carlson – both named in Employee Benefit Adviser’s latest list of the top technology executives to watch!

While the first Affordable Care Act (ACA) reporting year is behind us, compliance challenges continue. Now employers face massive potential penalties with less margin for error, and still must wait for IRS final guidance and instructions for the second year of reporting. Stay proactive and prepped with these takeaways from the 2015 ACA experience.

Rich Wolfe, CEO Empyrean Benefit Solutions Today we’re announcing big news: Bloom Health has officially joined the Empyrean family. Together, we’re moving towards a unified one-platform approach to bring the best benefits technology and services to employers and their employees.

We believe great technology should be scalable. It should just work, regardless of your company’s size or plan complexity. Great technology also needs great people supporting it. So as our client base grows, we will continue to scale up with equally strong customer support.

Introduction As an HR leader, you are constantly challenged to do more with less – and tasked with providing high-quality benefits and programs despite constant increases in costs.

For many Human Resources (HR) department leaders, the ability to process and resolve the dozens, if not hundreds, of issues that arise daily stems from being able to get, use, and disseminate accurate and timely information.

By Karen Bailey, Compliance Officer Empyrean Benefit Solutions As we look to the year ahead in meeting ACA compliance with Pay or Play and the reporting requirements that support it, we fully anticipate changes on the horizon. Prior guidance reflects that some transition relief will be sunsetted. The IRS, per its usual course of business, […]

By Rich Wolfe, CEO Empyrean Benefit Solutions As the market for private exchanges in delivering health and welfare benefits has grown over the past few years, more employers than ever are considering if they should implement their own private exchange. If you’re one of those employers, I want to share some thoughts that hopefully will […]

By Empyrean Client Advocate Employers who may be exploring automated solutions for administering their employee benefits often let 5 common myths or misconceptions get in the way of their decision-making process: