Plan sponsors are usually diligent in designing a solid benefits plan and sometimes even a thorough communication strategy for their benefits. But as many brokers and their clients have seen during and even after the recession, good plan design and standard communication just isn't enough anymore.

Benefits planning is one of those things that we often only see from one angle. When we look from another, we see more of the picture or even a different part of it that we couldn't see before. The view we're missing usually reveals a more effective and strategic benefits plan–one that saves sponsors money in the long-run, increases participation and improves employee culture.

Let's imagine two of your clients, Company A and Company B. Company B has incorporated benefits planning and they are better off than Company A. Here's what I mean: