As companies are shifting responsibility for health and financial decisions to their employees, both brokers and HR managers need to take a different approach. According to Jennifer Benz, founder of Benz Communications, a HR and benefits communications strategy boutique, this changes what it means to be successful.

"Clearly, the era of 'we'll take care of everything for you' is over and 'we'll help you find your way' is here to stay. That means companies want to help employees make good short-term decisions and see the longer-term picture of how health and financial security stack up," Benz says.

"As a result, benefits and HR managers are required to perform a seemingly impossible task: getting those who aren't paying attention to their benefits to take an active role in managing their health and wellbeing. And, they are doing that with fewer resources. While this may sound like a huge amount of pressure, it's also a huge opportunity for benefits managers to make a tremendous impact on their company's employees and their company—and, along the way, help improve our country's future."