Public sector employers across the country are faced with significant challenges, including rising healthcare costs, tight budgets, staffing shortages, and employee burnout. Amid these challenges, employee mental health has risen to become a top priority for the past few years…

For Arizona school districts, municipalities, and other public entities, Open Enrollment is one of the most important events on the HR calendar. When this is done well, it builds trust. Staff feel informed, supported, and confident in the choices they…

Open Enrollment always seems to sneak up on us. One minute you are closing out the current plan year, and the next you are building timelines, confirming rates, and preparing materials for employees. It can feel like a rush toward…

The landscape of employee benefits is constantly evolving. Rising healthcare costs are driving deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums higher than ever, all in an effort to reduce costs. This is one of many trends that is increasing the demand for voluntary…

2026 is officially here! With costs projected to rise, new technologies emerging, and employee expectations heightening, now is the time to take a closer look at your benefits strategy to ensure it can keep up with the evolving workplace.  Here…

Despite their significant tax-saving advantages, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), by many accounts, are one of the most underutilized, misunderstood, and often overlooked employee benefits available to public sector employees. Employees across the country forfeit millions of dollars annually, emphasizing the…

Every third quarter, every Arizona school district must begin the daunting, high-stakes process of benefits renewal. This is a crucial annual window of opportunity for districts’ leadership to review, optimize, and enhance their employee benefits program to meet budgetary constraints…

PCP Awareness Week, held from October 6th to 10th, aims to highlight the vital role that primary care physicians (PCPs) play in promoting health and well-being. Maintaining a good relationship with your primary care physician can significantly impact your overall…

Dental and vision benefits have evolved from optional “extra” components to essential components of employee benefit packages as they have been shown to play vital roles in ensuring overall employee health, financial well-being, and workplace satisfaction. For public sector organizations,…

At VSMG, we understand the unique challenges faced by Arizona school district employers and employees. For school district employees, the start of a new school year brings excitement, fresh goals, and opportunities to make an impact, while also ushering in…