America's Benefit Specialist October 2023

VOLUNTARY DISRUPTION

DECODING THE BARBIE MOVIE THROUGH THE LENS OF A BENEFITS OPEN ENROLLMENT The underlying message here is clear: Choices empower individuals to craft their narratives, be it in a whimsical universe or the professional arena. In a world of seemingly unrelated concepts, the “Barbie” movie and an employee benefits open enrollment share more similarities than one might initially presume. While one is a piece of entertainment and the other a cru cial organizational process, diving deeper into both reveals remarkable par allels that shed light on the importance of choice, adaptability and personal growth. Let’s embark on a fascinating journey as we unpack these parallels and uncover the unexpected connections between the whimsical world of Barbie and the practical world of employee benefits. THE POWER OF CHOICE AND PERSONALIZATION At the heart of both “Barbie” and an employee benefits open enrollment lies the theme of choice. Just as Barbie navigates her way through a myriad of amazing options, from dream careers to enchanting outfits, employees are presented with an array of benefit choices during open-enrollment season. This similarity emphasizes the significance of personalization in today’s world. Just as Barbie’s choices shape her adventures, employees’ benefit selection can significantly impact their well-being and future. Barbie’s choices offer her not just a variety of experiences but also a chance to mold her destiny. Similarly, open enrollment gives employees the power to shape their benefits to best suit their unique circumstances, whether it’s selecting healthcare plans that cater to their family’s needs or opting for pet benefits to take care of their four-legged, furry family mem bers. The underlying message here is clear: Choices empower individuals to craft their narratives, be it in a curious universe or the professional arena. ADAPTABILITY IN THE FACE OF CHANGE In both scenarios, adaptability is key. The movie often sees its main charac ter in various dynamic settings, each requiring her to adapt, learn and grow. An employee benefits open enrollment, while less glamorous, demands a similar level of adaptability. As circumstances shift and new benefit offer ings emerge, employees must remain open to change and willing to explore different options. Just as Barbie embraces change to set sail on her adventures, employ ees must recognize that their benefit needs can change over time due to shifts in health, family structure or financial goals. A health plan that suit ed them a year ago might not be the best fit now, and retirement aspira tions might evolve. Embracing change and adjusting benefits accordingly can lead to enhanced well-being and security, mirroring Barbie’s journey of growth and evolution. NAVIGATING COMPLEXITY WITH SUPPORT Barbie’s escapades often lead her into complex situations, and she con sistently finds support from friends and allies to navigate them. Similarly, employees aren’t left to navigate the intricacies of an employee benefits open enrollment alone. Companies typically offer resources such as informational sessions led by their benefits broker, online tools and human resources sup port to help employees make informed decisions. Just as Barbie’s friends provide valuable insights, these resources pro vide employees with the guidance they need to understand their options,

By Eric Silverman Silverman Benefits Group Towson, Maryland eric@voluntarydisruption.com

40 ABS | benefitspecialistmagazine.com