We all like it our way. Just look at how many flavors and options are available at Starbucks for a cup of coffee. And we all know what we like when it comes to the cars we drive. There are many different styles, colors, options and accessories from which to select. Employee benefits are no different. Employees have different needs and wants for benefits, and access to voluntary benefits allows them to choose the ones that they deem most important. 

Voluntary benefits are popular today because employees can choose products that complement their company-sponsored core benefits and round out a benefit portfolio that suits their individual needs. Both traditional and non-traditional voluntary benefits are now standard inclusions in employee benefits packages. 

Because they can select what they want, employees consider voluntary benefits to be valuable offerings, even though they are paying for them. Benefit managers are realizing that tailoring voluntary benefits to the diverse needs of their employees is paramount. And many employees have said they are more likely to stay with their current employer primarily due to the voluntary benefits package offered.