Dave O'Brien, division president of insurance solutions at Zywave, says the extra need for brokers isn't “terribly surprising.”

“Many brokers are already aware of the need to provide clients with more than just an insurance policy—particularly in light of health care reform,” he said.

But what was surprising, he said, is that employers are actually less satisfied with their current broker on the same services that they cited as more important than ever, a revelation O'Brien called “startling.

In nearly every category that was ranked as highly important that a broker deliver, fewer employers than last year said their broker was delivering that service satisfactorily. For example, 86 percent of employers expect their broker to provide employee safety and health information, but 75 percent say their broker isn't doing a satisfactory job.

Three-quarters (75 percent) want their broker to assist in creating or maintaining a safety program, though 68 percent of employers are no satisfied with their broker's current support.

Likewise, 85 percent of employers want assistance with their workplace wellness program, but 66 percent feel their broker isn't delivering to their expectations.

Zywave addressed the top challenges faced by employers that brokers should help with. They are: Managing health care costs; keeping in compliance and up to date on changing legislation, including health care reform; benefits administration and employee benefits education; keeping up to date on regulatory changes; controlling workers' compensation costs; and managing exposures.