The 3 Biggest Mistakes Small Business Owners Make with Employee Benefits (and How to Avoid Them)
As a small business owner, you know your team is more than just employees—they’re the heart of your business. The right benefits can boost morale, build loyalty, and help you keep great people. But too often, small businesses fall into a few common traps that cost them both money and morale.
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1. Only Looking at the Monthly Premium
Many small business owners believe benefits are only for large companies with big budgets. The truth? Even one meaningful benefit—like supplemental coverage from Aflac, Dental or Vision—can make your employees feel valued and supported.
Here’s the best part: with Aflac, you can offer coverage at no cost to your business while still saving on payroll taxes. It’s a win-win—your employees get financial protection and peace of mind, and you keep more money in your business.
How to avoid it: Start small. You don’t have to offer a full benefits package right away. Even an affordable option can show your team you care, which increases retention and morale.
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2. Treating Benefits as a “Set It and Forget It” Item
Business changes, employees’ needs change—and benefits should change too. If you only look at your benefits package once every few years, you may be missing cost savings or better options for your team.
How to avoid it: Schedule a yearly review. I work closely with my clients to make sure their benefits stay compliant, affordable, and aligned with their employees’ needs. This proactive approach saves money and keeps morale high.
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3. Overcomplicating the Process
When benefits are presented with jargon and endless paperwork, employees often don’t understand their options—and may not use them at all. That’s a waste of your investment.
How to avoid it: Work with a broker (like me!) who explains benefits in plain language and is available for your team’s questions. My role is to make sure every employee knows what’s available and how to use it—because benefits only work if people understand them.
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The Bottom Line
You don’t need to be a large company to offer valuable benefits. You just need a partner who will help you create a package that fits your budget, supports your employees, and boosts morale.
If you’d like a no-pressure review of your current benefits—or ideas for starting one—I’m here to help to make it simple
Riva Beaudoin
CalSunshine Insurance Services
Phone: (619) 917-7707
Email: Riva_Beaudoin@Us.Aflac.Com
Ca Lic. # 0H31968
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1. Only Looking at the Monthly Premium
Many small business owners believe benefits are only for large companies with big budgets. The truth? Even one meaningful benefit—like supplemental coverage from Aflac, Dental or Vision—can make your employees feel valued and supported.
Here’s the best part: with Aflac, you can offer coverage at no cost to your business while still saving on payroll taxes. It’s a win-win—your employees get financial protection and peace of mind, and you keep more money in your business.
How to avoid it: Start small. You don’t have to offer a full benefits package right away. Even an affordable option can show your team you care, which increases retention and morale.
---
2. Treating Benefits as a “Set It and Forget It” Item
Business changes, employees’ needs change—and benefits should change too. If you only look at your benefits package once every few years, you may be missing cost savings or better options for your team.
How to avoid it: Schedule a yearly review. I work closely with my clients to make sure their benefits stay compliant, affordable, and aligned with their employees’ needs. This proactive approach saves money and keeps morale high.
---
3. Overcomplicating the Process
When benefits are presented with jargon and endless paperwork, employees often don’t understand their options—and may not use them at all. That’s a waste of your investment.
How to avoid it: Work with a broker (like me!) who explains benefits in plain language and is available for your team’s questions. My role is to make sure every employee knows what’s available and how to use it—because benefits only work if people understand them.
---
The Bottom Line
You don’t need to be a large company to offer valuable benefits. You just need a partner who will help you create a package that fits your budget, supports your employees, and boosts morale.
If you’d like a no-pressure review of your current benefits—or ideas for starting one—I’m here to help to make it simple
Riva Beaudoin
CalSunshine Insurance Services
Phone: (619) 917-7707
Email: Riva_Beaudoin@Us.Aflac.Com
Ca Lic. # 0H31968