VIEWpoints-Issue 1-2026 | Page 18

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OFFER COMPETITIVE BENEFITS WITHOUT OVERSPENDING

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MAKE SURE EMPLOYEES ACTUALLY USE THEIR BENEFITS
A strong benefits package doesn’ t have to break the bank. Small businesses don’ t need to match Fortune 500 perks. They just need to be strategic.
Many business owners assume high-quality benefits are out of reach, but there are affordable ways to structure benefits employees actually value. From flexible health plans to employer-matched contributions, small businesses can design packages that keep them competitive without draining their budget.

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WORK WITH PARTNERS WHO PUT YOUR BUSINESS FIRST
Small business owners wear a lot of hats, but benefits and HR strategy shouldn’ t be a DIY project. The right HR advisory partner can help you navigate complex benefits options with your best interest in mind.
One example is Child Health Insurance Program( CHIP), which provides affordable healthcare for employees’ families. Some brokers bypass this program offering because there’ s no financial incentive for them. However, when small businesses work with the right HR partners committed to outlining all the benefits offerings they can package for employees, they’ ll often find cost-effective solutions they didn’ t even know existed.
Even the best benefits package is useless if employees don’ t understand it. Too often, businesses spend money on great plans but fail to educate employees on how to maximize them. Helping employees make smarter benefits decisions is like giving them a raise without increasing payroll. A simple seminar or one-on-one guidance can go a long way in making employees feel supported and financially secure.
If employees don’ t understand how their health plan, Health Savings Account or retirement options work, they won’ t see the full value of their benefits offering.
Small Businesses Can Win if They Play Smart
The talent crisis isn’ t going away, but small businesses don’ t have to lose. With the right approach and HR partner, employers are empowered to focus on their strengths, invest in people, structure affordable benefits and educate employees. This will position them to attract and retain top talent without trying to outspend the competition.
To obtain assistance with your HR needs or to learn more winning strategies, contact our HR advisory team today
About the Author
CORY RAGGI, SHRM-SCP
PRINCIPAL, DOEREN MAYHEW ADVISORS, LLC craggi @ doeren. com
CHIP Program Resource
Offering accessible health care benefits is a great incentive to your employees. Providing financial resources to help them secure coverage is a plus. Learn more about the CHIP program and which states offer options for your employees to consider.
Cory is a progressive and accomplished leader with nearly 20 years of experience driving organizational performance through people, strategy and execution. Leveraging her background in leadership development, change leadership, organizational design, talent management and succession planning, Cory leads the firm’ s HR advisory practice to help businesses achieve optimal operational results.
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