Search
 

Benefits and the paradox of choice

I often wonder, How can a broker or HR manager make heads or tails of all the options out there?

By Paul Wilson | Updated on March 14, 2017
In benefits, as in life, more is not always better. Photo: Getty Images

In “The Paradox of Choice — Why More Is Less,” psychologist Barry Schwartz wrote, “The fact that some choice is good doesn’t necessarily mean that more choice is better.” The influential book argues that rather than increasing happiness and well-being, an abundance of choice can contribute to feelings of anxiety, depression and wasted time.

“Part of the downside of abundant choice,” he explains, “is that each new option adds to the list of trade-offs, and trade-offs have psychological consequences. The necessity of making trade-offs … affects the level of satisfaction we experience from the decisions we ultimately make.”

Complete your profile to continue reading and get FREE access to BenefitsPRO.com, part of your ALM digital membership.

Your access to unlimited BenefitsPRO.com content isn’t changing.
Once you are an ALM digital member, you’ll receive:

  • Critical BenefitsPRO.com information including cutting edge post-reform success strategies, access to educational webcasts and videos, resources from industry leaders, and informative Newsletters.
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM, BenefitsPRO magazine and BenefitsPRO.com events.
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com

Already have an account?

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

Paul Wilson

Paul Wilson

Paul Wilson is the editor-in-chief of BenefitsPRO Magazine and BenefitsPRO.com. He has covered the insurance industry for more than a decade, including stints at Retirement Advisor Magazine and ProducersWeb.

More from this author

Recommended Stories

BenefitsPRO Broker Expo 2025 (BPRO)Event

The premier educational and networking event for employee benefits brokers and agents.

Get More Information
 

BenefitsPRO

Join BenefitsPRO

Don’t miss crucial news and insights you need to navigate the shifting employee benefits industry. Join BenefitsPRO.com now!

  • Unlimited access to BenefitsPRO.com - your roadmap to thriving in a disrupted environment
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com
  • Exclusive discounts on BenefitsPRO.com and ALM events.

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join BenefitsPRO

Copyright © 2024 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.