Our News

At J Gard Benefit Consultants, we know that developing a benefits strategy isn’t a once-and-done exercise. It’s a continual process — and in today’s competitive environment, it’s more critical than ever to align your benefits offerings with what employees actually need and want.

Unfortunately, many employers still miss the mark. The gap between employer intentions and employee expectations leads to lower engagement, poor enrollment, and reduced retention.

Here are seven emerging trends in workplace benefits we believe every employer should pay attention to — and how JGBC can help you take action:

1. Do More with More

Expanding benefits isn’t just for the Fortune 500 anymore. In fact, around half of small businesses and 60% of midsize businesses are exploring expanded voluntary benefit offerings. At JGBC, we help employers think outside the box and implement solutions that make a real difference in employees’ daily lives — even if they weren’t previously on your radar.

2. Communicate Like It Matters — Because It Does

A solid communication strategy is one of the most undervalued components of a successful benefits program. The result? Poor understanding and low participation. We work with our clients to deliver year-round, multi-channel communications that resonate across generations. We also offer turnkey education tools that ease the burden on lean HR teams.

3. Support For Gig and Nontraditional Workers

The gig economy isn’t going away — and 7 in 10 employers are considering benefits for part-time or contract workers. We can help you design portable, flexible solutions that meet the needs of all workers while keeping your business competitive and inclusive.

4. Protect Employee Finances with Supplemental Health Options

Accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity plans saw significant growth in 2023 — and employees are asking for them. These voluntary benefits provide financial peace of mind and fill coverage gaps. If your current plan doesn’t include these offerings, we’ll help you integrate them.

5. Support the Whole Person

Holistic well-being — covering mental, physical, and financial health — is no longer optional. Nearly 75% of employers are increasing investment in wellness initiatives. Whether it’s stress management, financial coaching, or digital self-care tools, JGBC can help you create a total well-being strategy.

6. Personalize the Experience

Forget one-size-fits-all. With five generations in the workforce, personalization is key. Millennials and Gen Z — who will make up over 60% of the workforce by 2031 — expect benefits tailored to their stage of life. We help you offer the right mix of options to keep everyone engaged.

7. Go Digital — But Keep It Human

A whopping 90% of employees want digital tools for benefits enrollment and claims, yet 80% still want to talk to a professional for guidance. JGBC delivers both: intuitive digital solutions backed by personal support. We also work closely with carriers offering robust technology platforms, so your HR team isn’t left managing it all alone.

The Bottom Line:
High-quality benefits are directly linked to job satisfaction. If your benefits strategy isn’t evolving with the times, you risk falling behind.

At J Gard Benefit Consultants, we specialize in modernizing benefits for today’s workforce. Let us help you close the gap between what your team wants and what you’re offering — so you can attract talent, increase retention, and stay ahead of the curve.