As a small business leader, you might have heard about the latest employee benefit trends—mental health programs, virtual care, even gut health support—and think, “Sounds great, but not in my budget.”
We get it. But here’s the reality: your benefit offerings may be more important than you think.
According to recent surveys:
- Over 50% of U.S. adults with employer-sponsored health benefits say it’s a key reason they stay in their job.
- 70% of employees would consider switching jobs for better benefits.
In a tight labor market, that’s a wake-up call.
We recently tuned into an excellent episode of the JoyPowered® Workspace Podcast, where Paul Ashley of NFP and Bill Snyder of Vivante Health explored some of the most forward-thinking employee benefit trends. And while some of the ideas may seem geared toward large employers, many are surprisingly adaptable for small businesses.
Let’s break down how.
Prioritize Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being
The conversation around mental health in the workplace has changed dramatically in recent years. Employees now expect their well-being to be taken seriously—and it’s a critical factor in retention.
Small-business-friendly ideas:
- Offer a basic Employee Assistance Program (EAP)—many are free or low-cost through insurance providers or community resources.
- Normalize mental health conversations: Share resources, invite guest speakers, and lead by example.
- Recommend free or affordable mental wellness apps or virtual counseling platforms.
Embrace Telehealth and Flexible Access to Care
Telehealth is now widely used and appreciated for its convenience—and it’s often included in health plans at no extra cost.
Small-business-friendly ideas:
- Make sure your health plan includes telehealth and let your team know how to use it.
- If you don’t offer insurance, suggest pay-per-use telehealth services employees can access individually.
- Add online fitness classes or wellness challenges—many are free or very affordable.
Support Families (Without Breaking the Bank)
“Family support benefits” may sound like a big-budget item, but it doesn’t have to be. What matters most is flexibility and empathy.
Small-business-friendly ideas:
- Offer flexible hours or occasional remote work where possible.
- Share community resources for childcare, eldercare, or caregiver support.
- Provide clear policies for unpaid or short-term leave during family emergencies.
Personalize the Employee Experience
You don’t need flashy perks to make a big impact. Small, thoughtful touches go a long way in making employees feel valued.
Small-business-friendly ideas:
- Celebrate birthdays, milestones, and wins with handwritten notes or $10 gift cards.
- Offer “volunteer time off”—an hour or two each month to give back.
- Use a simple perks platform that lets employees choose a benefit within your set budget.
Communicate Benefits to Your Team
A benefit only adds value if employees know it exists.
Small-business-friendly ideas:
- Use simple tools like email, Slack, or printed flyers to highlight what’s available.
- Revisit benefit info during onboarding and team meetings.
- Create a one-page “What We Offer” handout that’s easy to update.
Ask What Matters Most
Want to make sure your benefits actually work for your team? Just ask.
Small-business-friendly ideas:
- Run a quick (anonymous) survey every 6–12 months to see what your team values.
- Focus on delivering one or two high-impact benefits based on real feedback.
You don’t need a Silicon Valley budget to offer meaningful, modern benefits. With some creativity and intentionality, small businesses can create a supportive, personalized experience that helps employees feel seen, valued, and cared for.
At Focus HR, we help small businesses simplify HR—and that includes making smart benefit choices. If you want to explore what’s possible for your team, give us a call. We’re here to help you attract and retain great people, without the complexity.
