Expert Opinion

As life returns to normal, you might wonder if it's a whole new world, when it comes to business attire, but think about this: Looking like you can buy what you are selling reinforces the perception you understand your product.

Most of an advisor's time is consumed by preparing reports, inputting data and attending meetings, but the right tools can recommend next steps, best-fit products, or actions towards fulfilling customer expectations.

Rely on benefits consultants to help improve processes and evaluate systems, tools, budget and employee feedback, then decide what you start planning now, six months out and two months out from next year's open enrollment.

Employee stock ownership plans can help businesses looking for an exit strategy or, more immediately, can help boost retention, since the median job tenure is 53% higher for companies with an ESOP.

Early career employees have different needs than an executive getting ready to retire. Employers should group their population by HSA ability levels with the goal of helping their employees' level up their HSA behavior over time.

But don't call it a defined benefit plan. Call it guaranteed lifetime income. That's what the surveys say employees are asking for now. And start the messaging today.