Author name: Benchmark

When your company is ready to build or rethink its employee benefits plan, one of the most important choices you’ll make isn’t about coverage. It’s about who’s helping you make those decisions: an employee benefits broker or an employee benefits consultant. The two terms are often used interchangeably, but they’re not the same. The difference …

Employee Benefits Broker vs. Consultant: 5 Key Differences That Matter Read More »

  In today’s workplace, the terms employee benefits and perks are often used interchangeably—but they’re not the same thing. As employers look to attract and retain top talent in a changing labor market, understanding the difference isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.  This distinction goes beyond semantics. It shapes employee expectations, impacts compliance, and affects your bottom …

Employee Benefits Plans vs. Perks: Why the Distinction Matters More Than Ever Read More »

An employee benefits plan isn’t just a box to tick during budgeting season—it’s a core pillar of your organization’s value proposition. When done right, benefits improve employee well-being, strengthen retention, and position your company as an employer of choice. But when benefits are poorly designed or misaligned with workforce needs, the result can be costly—for …

The Top 5 Mistakes Employers Make When Designing Employee Benefits Plans  Read More »

  Attracting great talent is one thing, keeping it is another. In today’s competitive job market, where opportunities are abundant and expectations are higher than ever, organizations must offer more than just a paycheck.  As employee benefits consultants with over 135 years of combined experience, we’ve seen firsthand how a thoughtful, well-executed employee benefits strategy …

 How Employee Benefits Drive Employee Retention: Why Your Plan Matters More Than Ever  Read More »

Introduction  Attracting and retaining top talent takes more than competitive salaries. Employees are increasingly looking for meaningful support in their health, finances, and overall well-being. That’s where a well-designed group benefits insurance program becomes essential.  For employers, group benefits insurance is not just an added expense, it’s a strategic tool for building a healthier, more …

Group Benefits Insurance: Everything Employers Need to Know Read More »

Felicia A. Henderson, Lecturer, INSEAD Business School; Adjunct Lecturer Sciences Po Paris Business leaders following the news from the United States will almost certainly have noticed significant changes in the climate surrounding corporate DEI. The current US administration is overtly opposed to “DEI,” usually an acronym for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Without providing a definition …

Why and How to Recommit to Inclusion in 2025 Read More »

The competition for top talent is fiercer than ever, and salary alone is no longer enough to attract and retain skilled employees. Today’s workforce expects benefits that provide real value—supporting financial security, well-being, and work-life balance. Companies that fail to evolve risk losing their best employees to organizations that prioritize employee experience with benefits tailored …

The Secret Weapon in the War for Talent? An Employee Benefits Consultant Read More »

Money worries don’t clock out when employees clock in. Financial stress follows employees to work, affecting their focus, engagement, and overall productivity. With rising costs of living, student loan debt, and economic uncertainty, financial wellness is becoming a critical factor in workplace performance. How Financial Stress Impacts Workplace Productivity   Research has consistently shown that …

The Hidden Cost of Financial Stress: Why Employee Financial Wellness is a Must-Have, Not a Perk Read More »

Dive Brief Extended health care benefits are a crucial component of any employee benefits package. They provide coverage beyond provincial health care plans, including dental, vision, mental health support, and emergency travel insurance. These benefits are vital for attracting and retaining top talent, play a key role in boosting employee well-being and contribute to increased …

The Employer’s Guide to Extended Health Care Benefits (EHC benefits) Read More »