In what ways can Unum expand its disability insurance offerings to better support employees returning to work after an illness or injury?

Introduction

To expand Unum's disability insurance offerings and better support employees returning to work after an illness or injury, we need to take a comprehensive approach that addresses the evolving needs of both employees and employers. I'll outline a strategic plan to enhance our product, focusing on key stakeholders, pain points, and innovative solutions.

Step 1

Clarifying Questions (5 mins)

• Looking at the product context, I'm thinking about the current scope of Unum's disability insurance offerings. Could you provide more details on the existing features and services specifically designed for return-to-work support?

Why it matters: Determines the baseline for improvement and identifies gaps in current offerings. Expected answer: Basic return-to-work program with limited flexibility and minimal tech integration. Impact on approach: Would focus on enhancing existing features and introducing new tech-enabled solutions.

• Considering user behavior, I'm curious about the typical journey of an employee returning to work. What data do we have on the average duration of disability leave and the most common challenges faced during the transition back to work?

Why it matters: Helps identify key intervention points and prioritize features based on user needs. Expected answer: Average leave duration of 3-6 months, with challenges in adjusting work schedules and managing ongoing health needs. Impact on approach: Would tailor solutions to address specific transition periods and common pain points.

• Examining external factors, I'm interested in the competitive landscape. How do Unum's return-to-work support services currently compare to those of our main competitors?

Why it matters: Identifies opportunities for differentiation and areas where we need to catch up. Expected answer: Unum is on par with basic offerings but lacks some advanced features offered by top competitors. Impact on approach: Would prioritize innovative features to leapfrog competitors and create unique value propositions.

• Considering company alignment, what are Unum's key business objectives for expanding its disability insurance offerings, particularly in terms of customer retention and market share growth?

Why it matters: Ensures that product improvements align with overall business strategy. Expected answer: Focus on increasing customer retention by 15% and growing market share by 10% over the next two years. Impact on approach: Would emphasize features that drive customer loyalty and attract new clients, potentially through partnerships or ecosystem expansion.