5 Different Types of Employee Benefits for a small business to know

Employee benefits are non-monetary compensations provided to employees on top of their salaries and wages. These offerings are becoming the norm in many workplaces, as opposed to years ago, when it was the exception. Today, a competitive employee benefits package is flexible and has the employee’s values in mind. Your offerings are important because they can have a significant impact on employee engagement, productivity, retention and recruitment. After all, employees spend the majority of their day in the office.

What is trending for employee benefits?

Canada is one of the most diverse places to live, which translates to a diverse workforce. As a result, there is a customization trend for employee benefits. With diversity comes differences. For the employer, this means providing benefits and perks which can work for different needs.

These flexible benefits allow employees to pick and choose what works best for them. Examples include telecommuting (choose where to work), flexible schedules (when to work), health spending accounts (how, what, and where to spend your health benefits allowance), and more.

While employee benefits have a track record for boosting employee morale, it is still dependent on the employer/employee relationship. In order to provide these types of employee benefits, there must be a mutual level of trust.

Read more about new trends in employee benefits.

Below is a comprehensive list of employee benefits for a small business:

NOTE: Some benefits may fall under several categories. To avoid confusion, I have chosen not to duplicate any benefits.

Health-related Benefits

Canada’s public health plan can’t cover all of your medical costs. That’s why many companies are implementing an employer-sponsored health plan for their employees. These are some options for providing vision, dental, and extended health coverage:

• Health insurance
• Health Spending Account (HSA) or also known as a Private Health Services Plan (PHSP)
  • Many small businesses find that extended health coverage can be costly if financed on a fully insured basis (through a traditional health insurance plan). If this is the case for you, a suitable alternative is a Health Spending Account (HSA). It is a customizable tax free benefit designated for you and your employees, to spend on whatever eligible medical expenses you desire.
• Wellness Spending Account (this is a taxable benefit which designates an allowance for employees to spend on their wellness, such as a gym membership, nutrition, athletic attire, yoga, etc.)

Basic coverage of these 4 products (below) are often put in place by employers to protect employees and their families in the case of a catastrophic event. Plans may vary depending on the provider. 

• Critical Illness
• Travel Medical, Emergency Medical
• (Group) Life Insurance
• Accidental Death or Dismemberment
• Long-term Disability Insurance
  • Employees may be asked to provide full or partial payment for coverage under this plan (voluntary)

Personal Benefits

• Maternity, Paternity, and Adoption Leave
• Employee assistance programs
  
  • Private consulting services for employees dealing with personal issues
  • Services are usually offered over the phone or in-person 
• Short-term disability insurance
• (Continued) education and training reimbursement
• Opportunities for advancement

Retirement Benefits

• Retirement Plans such as a Group RRSP or pension
• Employee Share Ownership Plan

Flexible Benefits

• Telecommuting / remote work 
• Flexible schedule and work hours
• Flexible dress code
• Paid time off / paid sick days

Creative Benefits / Perks

These types of benefits may be offered depending on your business and/or industry of work.  

• Office ergonomics (adjustable desk, table, seat, etc.)
• Profit sharing
• Bonuses
• Free meals
• Company car use
• Stock options
• Childcare
• Gratuity
• Commission
• Paid housing
• Company-specific holidays
• Product discounts
• Student loan repayment assistance
• Transportation reimbursement
• Corporate social events
• Employee referral bonus
• Promotion panels

Which employee benefits should I offer?

I hope you discovered some different types of employee benefits that can apply to you. The options are limitless. Companies still offering a traditional benefits package may find it hard to recruit top talent. At the end of the day, employee benefits are an investment. To make the most out of your investment, ensure that your employees are using their benefits.

Employee benefits can be affordable when you choose the right plan and provider. Instead of your typical insurance plan, consider a Health Spending Account. Unlike insurance, a Health Spending Account is a tax plan focused on minimizing health expenses for you and your employees: