Benefits You Need to Offer Your Employees (and Those You Might Want To)

If you want to hire your first employee (or you already have several), you probably know how important their benefits are to them. In fact, it is much easier to find people who want to work for your business when you offer them plenty of benefits. Because of this, you should know what benefits you are going to offer them before you start the hiring process, though you can always add more if you can.

So, what benefits must you offer? These benefits are required by law.

  • You must give them time to go vote, if they choose to do so during work hours.
  • If they are called in for jury duty, you have to let them go to it.
  • If they are in the military, you have to give them time off when they are called for duty.
  • Depending on the size of your business, you may need to think about Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). This allows employees up to twelve weeks off after the birth or adoption of a baby. It can also help if they are dealing with a serious health condition.

In order to get more employees, what benefits should you try to offer (if you can swing it)?

  • Employees love getting paid vacation time, holidays, and even sick days. Many employers give their employees a few holidays. The most common are Christmas, New Years Day, Memorial Day, the fourth of July, and even Thanksgiving.
  • Health insurance is another big draw for many employees. Even basic health insurance is nice, though if you offer dental and vision, that is even better.
  • Many employees also need help with their future. If you offer retirement plans, you are offering more than many other businesses.
  • Life insurance can also be a big draw.
  • While you don’t have to offer your employees the right to funeral leave, it is a good idea to give them a few days to deal with the death of close family members.

By offering the best benefits possible, you are more likely to hire better employees, making your business even more successful. Because of this, you should do everything that you can to offer your employees some extra benefits such as paid holidays and vacation. If you are able to provide them with health insurance, it is even better.

At the very least, you have to give your employees time off to vote, go to jury duty, and even military training. You may also have to give them time off when they have a new baby or an illness because of FMLA.