The biggest compliance risk isn’t what most employers think.

June 30, 2026

An infographic using an iceberg metaphor to illustrate hidden compliance risks for employers. The visible top of the iceberg lists common compliance focuses like Policies, Employee Training, Audits, and Documentation. The larger, submerged bottom of the iceberg highlights overlooked organizational risks including Poor Culture, Unreported Issues, Lack of Visibility, Siloed Systems, and Inconsistent Accountability.

The Hidden Danger in Your Benefits Plan: The Power of Assumptions

I was sitting across the table from a referred HR director recently when she smiled and said, “I think we’re in pretty good shape.”

I asked a simple question. “Who handles your benefits compliance?”

Without hesitation she answered, “Our carrier.”

I asked another question. “Who sends your COBRA notices?”

She paused. “I think payroll… maybe.”

“What about your ERISA notices?”

Another pause. “I assumed our broker handled those.”

Within five minutes, we had identified three areas where no one was completely sure who owned the responsibility.

Not because anyone was careless. Not because anyone was ignoring the rules. Because everyone believed someone else was handling it.

“That’s how most compliance gaps happen. Not through neglect. Through assumptions.”

The encouraging part is that we didn’t uncover anything catastrophic. Most compliance issues aren’t disasters waiting to happen—they’re simply processes that have never been reviewed.

A short conversation brought clarity, assigned ownership, and gave everyone confidence that nothing important was falling through the cracks.

Compliance isn’t about creating fear. It’s about eliminating uncertainty.

Question: If I asked your team who owns each part of your benefits compliance process, would everyone give the same answer?

Al Schiebel
al@shopbenefits.com
404-256-2171
An Oakbridge Insurance Agency partner