Voluntary Benefits and the Rising Risk for Employers
Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion
Release Date: 01/09/2026
Financial Wellness and What Really Works
Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion
Financial wellness is a top priority for employers—but many programs aren’t delivering meaningful results. On this episode of Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt speaks with Sarah Parker of SageView Advisory Group to explore what financial wellness really means and why so many initiatives fall short. They discuss how employers can move beyond check-the-box solutions to strategies that truly improve employee outcomes, how to measure success, and what the future of financial wellness may look like. Tune in for practical insights to help you design more effective, impactful financial...
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Alternative Investments in 401(k)s: Proposed Regs and What Plan Fiduciaries Need to Know
Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion
On this episode of Williams Mullen’s Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt is joined by Sarah Parker, of SageView Advisory Group to discuss the U.S. Department of Labor’s proposed regulations on alternative investments in participant-directed retirement plans. The proposal would clarify a fiduciary’s duty of prudence under ERISA and establish a potential safe harbor. Brydon and Sarah break down what the proposal means for plan sponsors, investment committees, and other fiduciaries overseeing 401(k) plans. They also explore the potential opportunities, risks, and practical considerations...
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2026 To Do: HIPAA Compliance
Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion
On this episode of Williams Mullen’s Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt is joined by Nathan Kottkamp, partner in Williams Mullen’s Health Care Section, to break down what HIPAA really means for employers. Brydon and Nathan walk through why employer-sponsored health plans trigger HIPAA obligations, what companies actually need to have in place (including policies and procedures), and which types of employee health information fall outside HIPAA’s scope. They also highlight some lesser-known upsides of compliance.
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2026 To Do: Your Employee Handbook
Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion
On this episode of Williams Mullen’s Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt is joined by Stephanie Karn, partner in the Labor, Employment and Immigration Section at William Mullen, to discuss one of the most common questions employers face: what should an employee handbook actually include? They explore whether every employer truly needs a handbook, why including “everything but the kitchen sink” can sometimes create more problems than it solves, and the core policies that should always be included to set clear expectations and support compliance. If you’re responsible for HR,...
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Why NAPA Matters for Plan Sponsors and Benefits Professionals
Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion
On this episode of Williams Mullen’s Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt is joined by Lisa Drake, Managing Director at SageView Advisory Group and President of the National Association of Plan Advisors (NAPA). Together, they explore how employers, plan sponsors, and benefits professionals can leverage NAPA as a strategic resource. The conversation covers NAPA’s mission and advocacy efforts, its role in shaping retirement plan policy and best practices. Whether you’re new to NAPA or looking to deepen your involvement, join us for an enlightening conversation.
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Benefits Industry Predictions for 2026
Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion
On this episode of Williams Mullen’s Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt is joined by Beryl Ball, principal financial advisor at CAPTRUST, to discuss key benefits industry trends expected in 2026. They examine anticipated Department of Labor rulemaking, evolving fiduciary obligations, ERISA litigation trends and the growing focus on participant outcomes. The conversation offers practical insights to help employers, benefits administrators and plan fiduciaries prepare for the year ahead.
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Voluntary Benefits and the Rising Risk for Employers
Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion
In this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt sits down with Amy Hollis, CEO of Employees First, for a candid and eye-opening conversation about voluntary benefits—an area with associated risk many employers offer but few truly understand. Brydon and Amy pull back the curtain on what actually happens to employees’ premium dollars once they leave the paycheck, why voluntary benefits often carry significantly higher broker commissions, and how these behind-the-scenes mechanics impact cost, value and transparency for employers and employees alike. Editor’s...
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Paid Sick Leave for All Virginians? Breaking Down HB5
Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion
On this episode of Williams Mullen’s Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt talks with Matt Anderson, a partner in Williams Mullen’s Labor, Employment and Immigration Section, about a proposed Virginia bill that would significantly expand paid sick leave rights for employees across the Commonwealth. They’ll discuss a brief history of Virginia’s paid sick leave law, details of House Bill No. 5 (HB5) and its potential impact for employers.
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Private Markets, Public Plans: What Sponsors Need to Know
Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion
On this episode of Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt talks with Sarah Parker of SageView Advisory Group about the growing interest in private markets within defined contribution retirement plans. They explore what “private markets” really mean, why more plan sponsors are considering them, and how these investments could impact participants’ long-term outcomes. Whether you’re a plan sponsor, fiduciary, or benefits professional, this episode offers insights into the opportunities and complexities of integrating private markets into defined contribution plans.
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Balancing Benefits: GLP-1s and Workforce Well-Being
Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion
On this episode of Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt talks with Caroline Susie of MercerWELL about the rise of GLP-1 medications. They discuss how these drugs work, why they’re transforming weight loss, and the tough questions employers face—from whether to cover them, to managing costs, to what else is needed to best support a healthier workforce. Whether you’re an HR leader, benefits administrator, or simply curious about the changing landscape of employee health, this episode offers practical guidance on navigating one of the most pressing topics in workforce benefits today.
info_outlineIn this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt sits down with Amy Hollis, CEO of Employees First, for a candid and eye-opening conversation about voluntary benefits—an area with associated risk many employers offer but few truly understand. Brydon and Amy pull back the curtain on what actually happens to employees’ premium dollars once they leave the paycheck, why voluntary benefits often carry significantly higher broker commissions, and how these behind-the-scenes mechanics impact cost, value and transparency for employers and employees alike.
Editor’s Note: Since this episode was recorded, a significant ERISA development has occurred. A brief postscript has been added to address the implications of recently filed litigation, underscoring the growing legal risk in this area.