In addition to standard benefits such as health, life and disability insurance, the Coors plan provides such things as a top-notch wellness program, a 401(k) retirement plan and until earlier this year, even beer on tap in the cafeteria.

Wanda Johansen, a Coors employee for 17 years, has taken advantage of the company's free stress-management classes and has played for a softball team sponsored by Coors. But it's her judicious use of the company's retirement plan and flexible-spending account that "have helped me manage my money better," she says.

You don't need a Cadillac plan such as Coors' to get more mileage from your benefits. Employee programs go much further with regular maintenance and a once-over at open-enrollment time, which is right about now at many firms.