Benefits Think

Mindful that too many choices can diminish value, advisers need to make healthcare and benefit programs easier for clients to understand.

Giving employees the chance to choose how to utilize their benefits can foster greater sense of belonging and loyalty.

Individuals will lose the bulk purchasing power they enjoy under the employer-sponsored status quo if they're forced to seek out coverage on their own.

For a more effective review process, solicit input from team members, direct managers and peers.

A more thoughtful approach to saving will help participants who rely on the defined contribution model stretch their dollars into life after work.

When services are contacted through affordable independent providers, dollars can be redirected for early detection and diverted to improve benefits.

When people are required to rest and recharge, they'll feel less stressed or guilty about doing so, making the time off much more valuable.

The group's charter serves as a roadmap for plan oversight and provides evidence of the fiduciary's intent to manage the plan prudently.

Benefits managers who connect quitting tobacco and reducing stress have a promising opportunity to make a difference for their employees, ultimately minimizing stress for the entire team. 

As benefits consulting and administration start to separate, it's time for compensation to be both transparent and reasonable.