Summer workforce health benefit continuity — supporting employees,

interns, and families through seasonality

Summer often brings a shift in workforce dynamics for nonprofit organizations. Seasonal programs expand, interns join teams, and employees balance work responsibilities with changing family schedules and caregiving needs.

While these transitions are expected, they can create disruptions that affect employee well-being, engagement, and productivity. This is particularly relevant with nonprofit organizations navigating extreme levels of workforce challenges, including burnout, recruitment pressures, and employee retention. Research from 2024 found that 95% of nonprofit leaders were concerned about staff burnout with nearly 50% finding it difficult to fill staff vacancies.¹

Given these pressures, organizations must prioritize employee support — starting with healthcare access. Seasonal workforce continuity depends not only on having the right people in place, but also on ensuring they have access to the healthcare resources and support systems they need to thrive. Making healthcare access a critical component of employee experience all year long.

Supporting seasonal workers and interns

Seasonal workers and interns often play an essential role in helping nonprofits deliver programs, expand community impact, and meet increased summer demand. Yet these individuals may be less familiar with available healthcare resources or uncertain about where to turn when they need care.

Employers offering benefits to eligible workers, can support this workforce segment by providing clear information about available resources, including preventive care, behavioral health support, and virtual care options. Proactive communication about enrollment timelines and available programs can help reduce confusion and encourage timely access to care.

Even when individuals are not enrolled in an employer-sponsored health plan, access to healthcare education and navigation resources can help them make informed decisions and connect with appropriate care.

Helping employees and families stay connected to care

For many employees, summer also brings changes at home. School breaks, childcare arrangements, vacations, and caregiving responsibilities can make it more difficult to prioritize personal health and well-being.

As schedules become more complex, employees may delay preventive care appointments, postpone follow-up visits, or overlook available mental health resources. Employers can help by promoting convenient care options such as telehealth services, behavioral health programs, and preventive care reminders before the start of a new school year.

These resources not only improve access to care but can also help employees manage competing demands while remaining engaged and productive at work.

Turning workforce transitions into workforce resilience

Supporting employee health is more than a benefits function — it’s a workforce strategy. When employees understand how to access care, utilize available resources, and address health concerns early, organizations are better positioned to maintain productivity, reduce disruptions, and foster a positive employee experience. Even better, in some cases, optimizing your health plan utilization can support better long-term cost management.

For nonprofit leaders, summer presents an opportunity to strengthen workforce resilience through proactive communication and education. Simple actions such as promoting available health resources, highlighting virtual care options, and encouraging preventive care can help employees navigate seasonal transitions with greater confidence.

Ultimately, organizations that invest in employee well-being during periods of change build stronger, more resilient workforces — creating a foundation for sustained impact in the communities they serve. Patrick Sego, Florida Blue Sales Manager, can help you evaluate benefit strategies and share resources that support this commitment to employee well-being. For more information, contact him directly at Patrick.Sego@bcbsfl.com.

References

1. Johnson Center for Philanthropy. "The Nonprofit Workforce Is in Crisis." January 2025.

Disclaimers

Health Benefit Plans have limitations and exclusions. Driven by its mission of helping people and communities achieve better health, Florida Blue serves more than 6 million members across the state. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., Florida Blue, a trade name of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc., is an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For additional information about Florida Blue, please visit FloridaBlue.com or call (877) 352-5830.