Benefits broker: A professional who provides benefits advice, services and products to employers and employees.

While the definition of the role has remained consistent over the years, the nature of that advice — and the form those products and services take — is continually evolving in response to economic trends, a diversifying workforce and changing consumer needs and expectations.

More than ever before, today's brokers are viewed as strategic consultants, advising employers not just on how to tweak plan offerings and choose carriers, but how to contain health care costs, meet employee demands and remain competitive in a tight job market. Brokers are constantly crafting competitive benefits packages with what employers can afford. Brokers support employees year-round by developing communications strategies to help employees make informed health care decisions, and by meeting the growing demand for voluntary benefits so employees can enhance their financial and overall wellbeing.