Section 125

Why Today’s Employees Want More Than Just a Paycheck

Gone are the days when a competitive salary was enough to attract and retain top talent. Today’s workforce is seeking more than financial compensation—they want to feel valued, supported, and aligned with their employer’s values. According to a 2023 Gallup survey, over 60% of employees said that benefits and well-being support are a “very important” factor when considering whether to stay at their job.

Flexible hours, health and wellness support, mental health resources, and financial wellness programs are now considered essential, not optional. Employees are seeking a holistic approach to employment that supports their lives both inside and outside of work. Businesses that fail to meet these expectations risk higher turnover, lower engagement, and a decline in productivity (How Better Benefits Improve Morale, Loyalty)

What Happens When You Invest in Benefits

When companies invest in employee benefits, they signal to their workforce that they care. That investment yields powerful returns: reduced absenteeism, higher productivity, and significantly better retention.

A Harvard Business Review study found that companies with robust benefits packages had turnover rates up to 50% lower than those with minimal offerings. Employees who feel secure and supported are more likely to commit to their roles, take pride in their work, and contribute to a positive company culture.

Beyond retention, the right benefits can actually boost recruitment. Word-of-mouth referrals and employer branding improve as employees share their positive experiences, both online and in person.

Key Stats:

80% of employees say they’d choose additional benefits over a pay raise (Glassdoor).

56% of employees said that better benefits would make them more loyal to their employer (MetLife Employee Benefits Trend Study).

The Hidden ROI of Offering Supportive Perks

While many business leaders focus on the upfront cost of benefits, the long-term ROI often tells a different story. Benefits that support physical, mental, and financial wellness can lead to lower healthcare costs, fewer sick days, and improved team performance.

Offering cost-effective perks like flexible spending accounts, wellness programs, or supplemental tax-free reimbursements can drastically reduce financial stress for employees—a leading cause of workplace distraction and disengagement. When stress is lowered, morale increases, and team collaboration improves.

Consider these hidden value drivers:

Lower recruiting costs due to reduced turnover

Improved employee satisfaction scores

Fewer HR issues related to burnout or absenteeism

The Champ Plan: Big Impact, Low Cost

For companies looking for an immediate and affordable way to boost morale and retention, The Champ Plan offers a low-cost benefit with high team impact.

This IRS-compliant supplemental benefit plan helps employees save money on everyday medical expenses like copays, prescriptions, and dental care—without changing your current health coverage. Employees can see real financial relief, while your business saves on payroll taxes.

It’s an easy win-win:

No cost to your business

Immediate value to employees

Fast implementation

Whether you’re a small business or a growing company, The Champ Plan delivers meaningful wellness support without adding complexity.

Ready to Improve Retention Through Smarter Benefits?

Great benefits don’t need to be expensive or complicated. With the right strategy and solutions like The Champ Plan, you can increase employee morale, boost loyalty, and cut down on costly turnover.

Learn how to launch this high-value benefit in under 30 days. Schedule a consultation today.

FAQs

What are the most valued employee benefits today?
Health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and wellness benefits top the list. Financial wellness support is also growing in popularity.

How do employee benefits affect retention?
Better benefits make employees feel cared for and supported, leading to increased loyalty and reduced turnover.

Are benefits cost-effective for small businesses?
Yes. Especially when offering supplemental plans like The Champ Plan that provide employee value with no net cost to the employer.

What is The Champ Plan?
The Champ Plan is a Section 125 plan, a tax-advantaged supplemental benefit that helps employees reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses while saving employers on payroll taxes.