In a market where top talent can afford to be selective, a strong benefits package is no longer optional. Employers know they need to offer more than just the basics to attract and retain the right people—but designing a truly competitive benefits plan is anything but simple. 

That’s where brokers come in. As a trusted partner, your role isn’t just about presenting options. It’s about helping clients create a benefits strategy that balances cost, compliance, and employee experience, while also supporting long-term business goals. 

So what exactly makes a benefits plan high-performing in 2025? Let’s break it down—and explore how brokers can lead the conversation with clients. 

The Core Components of a High-Performing Benefits Plan 

The Foundation: The Core Four 

Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance remain the backbone of most benefits strategies. But offering a high-performing plan means going beyond simply checking the box. It’s about helping clients evaluate coverage options, funding strategies, and carrier partnerships to ensure they’re delivering real value to employees—without breaking the budget. 

Expanding Voluntary Benefits 

Voluntary benefits aren’t just a nice-to-have anymore. They’re an essential part of a comprehensive benefits offering that meets employees where they are in life. From accident and critical illness coverage to mental health support, financial wellness tools, and lifestyle perks like tuition assistance or childcare benefits, the right mix of voluntary options helps employers stand out in a crowded talent market. 

It’s also about personalization. A manufacturing workforce has different needs than a tech startup. Helping clients align benefits with their employee demographics and industry trends is key to building a plan that truly works. 

For more on what makes a competitive package in 2025, check out our recent post: What Makes a Benefits Package Competitive in 2025? 

Balancing Cost and Value 

Every benefits decision is a balancing act. Clients want to offer attractive packages, but they also need to manage costs and stay compliant. That’s where brokers play a critical role—helping clients make informed choices that support their employer brand and strengthen retention, without creating unsustainable financial pressures. 

Compliance: The Non-Negotiable 

A high-performing plan isn’t just competitive—it’s compliant. Brokers help clients navigate evolving regulations like the ACA, COBRA, state mandates, and transparency rules, ensuring they stay protected while offering meaningful benefits to their employees. 

Why Technology Matters: Powering a Stronger Benefits Experience 

Even the best-designed benefits plan can fall flat if it’s not supported by the right technology. In 2025, benefits administration platforms aren’t optional—they’re essential for simplifying open enrollment, engaging employees year-round, and staying ahead of compliance demands. 

Brokers who understand how technology supports a high-performing benefits plan can deliver even more value to clients. That means guiding clients toward platforms that offer: 

• Digital enrollment and eligibility tracking 

• Compliance tools for ACA and COBRA reporting 

• Decision support for employees 

• Integration with payroll, HRIS, and carriers 

• Year-round engagement, not just during open enrollment 

The Broker’s Role: Helping Clients Build a Competitive Advantage 

Brokers are no longer just selling insurance products. They’re strategic advisors, helping clients design benefits strategies that attract talent, support business objectives, and keep employees engaged. 

That’s why we created the Broker’s Guide to Recommending Benefits—a practical resource packed with insights, conversation guides, and tools to help you build stronger client relationships and recommend solutions with confidence. 

Ready to Help Your Clients Build High-Performing Benefits Plans? 

Your clients are counting on you to help them navigate an increasingly complex benefits landscape. Download the Broker’s Guide to Recommending Benefits for frameworks, worksheets, and actionable strategies to guide your clients toward the right mix of benefits and technology. 

And while you’re here, explore more helpful resources on the Selerix blog, including: