Increasingly, employees are being allowed to choose benefit packages from a menu of items.?

Increasingly, employees are being allowed to choose benefit packages from a menu of items. For instance, workers may be given a package of benefits that includes basic and optional items. Basics might include modest medical coverage, life insurance equal to a year's salary, vacation time based on length of service, and some retirement pay. But then employees can use credits to choose among such additional benefits as full medical coverage, dental and eye care, more vacation time, additional disability income, and higher company payments to the retirement fund. Using the theory of consumer behavior, how do you think flexible benefit packages would affect an employee's preference between higher wages and more benefits?
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Most employees do not understand the benefits being offered or the hidden costs associated with employer contributions. On the other hand an increase in pay is very simple to grasp. Giving employees credits towards purchase of optional benefits allows them to see the real costs of the benefit programs, and makes them a more educated and appreciative employee.
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