
Simply offering a standard benefits package isn’t enough to stand out. Employees are thinking beyond essentials like medical care; they’re looking for companies that truly support their needs and aspirations. That’s why voluntary benefits are so crucial to upholding employee satisfaction and for attracting and retaining top talent.

From financial wellness programs to professional development opportunities, companies that prioritize voluntary benefits are building stronger, more competitive workforces.
Why It’s Critical to Offer a Full Range of Benefits
If you're unsure how voluntary benefits could elevate your company, let's explore how they drive morale, enhance your employer brand, and improve retention.
Boosting Employee Morale
Employee morale isn’t just about creating a nice workplace culture; it’s directly tied to productivity and success. Disengaged and unmotivated employees cost U.S. companies between $228 and $355 million per year in lost productivity. High morale, on the other hand, increases engagement and empowers employees to exceed expectations.
Voluntary benefits give employees the sense that their well-being matters to their employer. Options such as mental health resources, flexible working arrangements, or tailored wellness programs show that your company cares about the person behind the job title. Happier employees are not only more productive but also more collaborative and customer-focused.
Companies with highly engaged teams report up to 18% higher productivity and 23% higher profitability.
Strengthening Your Employer Brand
A strong employer brand is non-negotiable in 2025, especially given the competitive talent market. Your reputation as an employer impacts recruitment and how your current employees perceive their workplace. Job seekers talk, online reviews matter, and word travels fast within networks. Developing a reputation for providing exceptional benefits can make your business a magnet for the industry’s best talent.
Voluntary benefits are key to this perception. Whether it’s offering student loan assistance, professional development stipends, or support for working parents, an attractive benefits package signals that your company is thinking ahead and investing in your workforce. It says, “We’re not just hiring you—we’re investing in your future.”
The top 1% of employees drive up to 10% of company output. By offering tailored benefits that attract high-performing professionals, you’re not just filling roles; you’re turbocharging your business outcomes.
Improving Retention with Meaningful Benefits
Retention is one of the biggest challenges facing businesses today, particularly with Millennials and Gen Z dominating the workforce. 92% of Millennials report prioritizing benefits when choosing or staying with a company, meaning businesses that don’t adapt could face continuous turnover and higher operational costs.
Turnover isn’t just frustrating for your HR team; it’s expensive. Replacing an employee costs approximately 6-9 months of their salary, and that doesn’t account for the loss of company knowledge or the potential decline in team morale. Offering voluntary benefits tailored to your workforce’s needs is a powerful way to reduce these risks. Financial planning tools, career coaching, and wellness benefits can all encourage employees to stay long-term, creating stability and helping your company avoid the endless hiring cycle.
Conduct regular surveys to ensure your benefits package resonates with what your team values most. The more personalized and relevant your offerings, the stronger the retention results.
What Does a Competitive Voluntary Benefits Package Look Like?
To remain competitive, your organization must offer more than just generic perks. Employees today expect benefits that reflect their individual lifestyles and challenges. Here are a few must-have voluntary benefits for modern businesses:
- Mental Health Support: Apps, therapy reimbursements, or in-house counselors.
- Flexible Learning & Development: Cover costs for certifications, e-learning, or advanced degrees.
- Financial Planning Tools: Offer programs for debt management, retirement planning, or investment advice.
- Parental Benefits: Include paid parental leave, childcare assistance, or family counseling.
- Health & Wellness Initiatives: Gym memberships, fitness challenges, or health coaching.
These benefits cater to what employees need and set you apart in a crowded labor market.
How to Evaluate and Revamp Your Current Benefits Package
Not sure whether your benefits package is up to par? Here are some steps to ensure it meets modern demands:
- Survey Your Workforce: Ask employees what they value most in voluntary benefits and what they feel is missing.
- Benchmark Against Competitors: Understand what leading companies in your industry are offering.
- Align with Company Goals: Tie your benefits to your business priorities, whether it’s boosting morale, attracting talent, or increasing retention.
- Start Small: If you can’t overhaul everything at once, pick 1-2 impactful benefits to implement now and expand over time.
By evaluating and adapting your benefits package, you’ll meet your employees’ expectations while building a workplace people want to join and stay in.
Expand Your Benefits Offerings with a Trusted Partner
For companies looking to stay competitive and attract top talent, expanding benefits offerings is no longer optional—it's essential. Partnering with a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) can help streamline this process, providing access to comprehensive benefits packages, better cost management, and administrative support. With over 25 years of experience, PRemployer has been at the forefront of helping businesses create tailored solutions that meet the evolving needs of their workforce. Our expertise ensures that you can offer benefits that not only comply with industry standards but also set your organization apart.
Contact PRemployer today to learn how we can help you build a benefits strategy that drives growth and employee satisfaction.
