Every employer has a unique vision for its workforce. Some organizations aim to attract top engineering talent, while others focus on maintaining a healthy, satisfied team without adding extra complexity. My role as a Benefits Analyst at Borislow Insurance is to understand those goals deeply and shape benefits strategies that bring them to life. No surprises should emerge during onboarding because we should already know what matters most to our clients and what they hope to achieve.
At Borislow, we view the client relationship as a continuous cycle. From the first conversation to annual renewals, we stay engaged throughout the year. We listen to evolving needs, anticipate challenges, and plan well ahead of deadlines. A key part of this process is a formal strategy meeting. That meeting is a collaborative discussion, not just a slide presentation. We ask open-ended questions, uncover priorities, and help clarify objectives. When the renewal period arrives, we already share a clear understanding of the company’s goals and can provide tailored recommendations.
From Complexity to Clarity
Benefit analysis is central to everything we do. Clients often receive proposals that stretch to ten pages or more, filled with dense data and industry jargon. Without careful analysis, they would need to sort through every detail on their own. My responsibility is to turn those lengthy proposals into clear, digestible presentations that tell a story. I break down plan designs, highlight cost comparisons, and present side-by-side options that make the impact of each choice easy to follow.
Benchmarking adds another layer of insight. We evaluate a client’s benefits against state and national standards as well as organizations of similar size. This gives employers a realistic view of where they stand in a competitive market and helps them decide whether to enhance offerings or focus on cost control while still meeting employee needs.
Cutting Waste and Closing Gaps
One of the most powerful aspects of benefit analysis is identifying underused benefits. A client of mine was paying $12,000 each year for identity theft protection for employees. When I reviewed the utilization data, it turned out that participation was extremely low. The client had no idea the benefit was barely used. With that information in hand, they chose to redirect the budget toward benefits that employees would value more. This was a clear example of how data-driven decisions can create immediate savings and improve overall employee satisfaction.
Another example involves long-term disability coverage. During strategy meetings, I routinely analyze coverage to make sure employees, especially higher earners, have proper protection. Without careful review, gaps can appear that only become visible when a serious event occurs. I worked with a client who had not realized that some of their top earners would face significant income loss if they became unable to work due to illness or injury. After reviewing the data together, we adjusted their plan to close that gap before any crisis happened. This kind of proactive planning gives both employers and employees peace of mind.
Beyond the Spreadsheet: Real-Time Collaboration
Accurate data makes confident decision-making possible, yet numbers alone do not capture the full picture. A modest cost increase might be worthwhile to maintain continuity for employees, while a lower-cost option could create disruption that outweighs any savings. I help clients look beyond the spreadsheet to understand the human impact of every choice.
Guidance for Business Leaders
For leaders working to align benefits strategy with broader company goals, partnership and trust are essential. Build a strong relationship with your broker and be transparent about what you want to achieve. Identify your top priorities early, whether they involve cost management, talent retention, or enhancing the employee experience. Avoid the temptation to review every possible data point because too much information can cloud the real objectives. Concentrate on the analysis that directly supports your goals and rely on your broker to guide the process.
Communication and education play a vital role once decisions are made. By the time plan changes reach employees, the analysis is complete and the strategy is set. At that point, success depends on how well employees understand their options and how confidently they can navigate the new plan. Whether it involves explaining a change in co-pays or preparing for a new carrier, clear and proactive communication ensures that employees feel informed and supported.
Beyond the Numbers
Benefit analysis and strategy is ultimately about people. It requires empathy, trust, and a willingness to look beyond spreadsheets and charts. While data provides the foundation, the relationships we build with clients bring that data to life. Every recommendation is shaped by an understanding of the organization’s culture, workforce, and long-term goals. That is what makes this work rewarding. Helping clients design benefits that reflect their values and support their employees is more than a job. It is a partnership built on insight, transparency, and care.