This supplement picks up where our Buyers Study leaves off. The original study reveals trends that impact benefits challenges and how to address them. It offers a strategy for employers, showing them how to take a sound foundation of employer-provided group plans and build on it with supplemental products that meet diverse workforce needs.

The industry supplement moves a step further, identifying the strategic question employers struggle with most: "What does my competition offer?"

Until now, the actual nuts and bolts of competitors' benefit plan designs have largely been unidentifiable. But this reference tool examines nine specific industries and offers an insider's view of our customers' buying habits.

It compares base group plan designs, revealing the characteristics — and some striking similarities — in definition of disability, benefit amounts and durations.

This research shows how a shift to more employee-paid plans is a growing trend common to all industries. Unique to each industry is the way that employers can consider using supplemental plans to solve a variety of business challenges.

We've also sliced this information and developed industry-specific fact sheets. These snapshots are a practical tool to take a quick look at a particular industry. Available today are:

• Education
• Health services and research
• Manufacturing
• Engineering/Architecture
• Financial
• IT
• Legal
• Marketing/Management
• Wholesale/Retail