Most current and potential employees are likely to expect some type of group benefits as part of their compensation package. As a result, business owners must choose how to address that expectation and may decide to offer a group benefit plan.

65% of employers with less than 200 employees offer health benefits, while 98% of larger firms made them available to employees, according to The Kaiser Family Foundation 2003 Annual Employer Health Benefits Survey. An employer's benefit program can be seen as a growing and evolving entity.

The size of a business is often the determining factor when it comes to whether or not benefits will be offered, and if so, which ones. As a business grows in its number of employees and profitability, it is usually inclined to increase its benefit offering.

The pyramid below is an example of how a business may choose to add layers of benefits as it grows.

Another reason why businesses may decide to increase their benefit offering may be due to the realization that as the business grows, it needs to retain its current employees and attract new ones. Comprehensive benefit packages provide employees with protection and security. Thus, they can help businesses increase employee productivity and morale as well.

Business owners often choose to work with an Employee Benefit Specialist because they need help deciding which benefits to offer their employees and realizing how those benefits can be provided within their cost constraints. To build your benefit program, contact an Employee Benefit Specialist near you.