Editor's note: As part of our ongoing mission to highlight industry professionals who are making a difference, we asked some top benefits professionals what they wish they had in their portfolio of products. This is what they had to say. 

Student loan programs

I've been keeping my eye on the student loan pay down platforms as a benefit. At a meeting in late 2015 with the head of benefits at one of the largest financial firms in the U.S., it was pointed out to me and my team that one of the most important issues many companies will have to deal with in the coming years is the ability to attract and retain millennials and other recent graduates. The burden of student debt is often their biggest financial concern, ahead of daily expenses, retirement and health care.

Related: Student debt hits women harder than men 

Currently, these pay down contributions are taxed as income, so many are waiting for legislation to pass allowing them on a tax-free basis. That said, tax-free legislation has recently been introduced, cosponsored by 38 Democrats and 29 Republicans, making it a popular bipartisan solution to the student loan debt crisis. While present estimates of employer participation are roughly 4 percent to 5 percent, that is expected to dramatically increase, should such legislation pass.