I think it's easy for us to forget that HR is often the single most important touchstone for the average American worker when it comes to either medical or retirement advice.

Sounds crazy, I know, but think about it. You're often the only consistent, reliable source of information when it comes to medical benefits information and financial planning decisions. Because, honestly, how many of your employees are either educated or even interested enough to talk proactively with your broker? Or wealthy enough to hire their own financial advisor?

So, I'd argue it's the employer's responsibility – and by extension, yours – to be more proactive not only when it comes to communicating benefits information, but actually making ideological, as well as practical, changes to your current suite of benefit offerings. After all, your work force is changing right before your eyes. Is it so unreasonable to suggest you adapt, too?