Voluntary Benefits: A Smart Move for Small Businesses

sam84347
May 29
3 min read

More and more small businesses across Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana are rethinking their benefits strategy – and with good reason. Today’s workforce expects more than just a paycheck. In fact, 89% of employees want more benefits from their employer, and 80% of small and midsize businesses are planning to deliver.

The good news? You don’t have to increase your budget to stay competitive.

Voluntary benefits allow you to enhance your small business benefits package without adding to your costs. These employee-paid options – like dental, vision, life and disability insurance – add real value to your benefits package and help you stand out in a competitive job market.

Small business health insurance in Ohio advisor meeting with company owner to discuss 2025 benefit options.

What Are Voluntary Benefits?

Voluntary benefits are insurance products offered by an employer but paid (fully or partially) by the employee. These typically include:

Dental
Vision
Short-Term Disability
Long-Term Disability
Critical Illness
Accident
Pet Insurance
Identity Theft Protection
Hospital Indemnity

These benefits empower employees to choose coverage based on their personal needs, offering both flexibility and peace of mind.

💡 Did You Know?

A lot of business owners assume that voluntary benefits are only for big companies – but that's not true. Even companies with just two employees can offer these plans and get access to group rates.

Why Voluntary Benefits are a Smart Investment for Small Businesses

1. Big Value, Low Cost

Employers can tailor voluntary offerings to their workforce without increasing overhead. It’s a win-win: employees get valuable options, and employers avoid more costs.

2. Boosts Hiring and Retention

93% of employees say benefits are a major reason they stay with their employer. When you give employees options, they feel taken care of – and that matters for all parties.

3. Aligns with 2025 Business Trends

According to the 2025 Principal® Business Owner Insights, small business leaders like you are prioritizing employee satisfaction and cost control. Voluntary benefits check both boxes.

Employees evaluating voluntary benefits like dental, vision, and disability insurance for small businesses.

What Small Businesses Are Asking in 2025

How can voluntary benefits help me retain employees?

Employees feel valued when they have choices in coverage. Even if your business doesn’t pay for the coverage, offering options shows that you care about their well-being.

Are these plans expensive for the business?

Nope. Most voluntary benefits are 100% employee-paid, making them budget-friendly for small businesses.

Are these plans expensive for employees?

Not at all! Since voluntary benefits are offered through group coverage, employees get access to lower, negotiated rates that are very affordable. It’s a cost-effective way for them to get valuable coverage – often for just a few dollars per paycheck.

Do MEWA health plans work with voluntary benefits?

Absolutely. MEWA plans give you affordable group health coverage, and voluntary benefits help round out your offering!

How Wilson Insurance Can Help

At Wilson Insurance, we’ve been helping businesses for over 40 years. As an independent broker, we’re not tied to any one insurance company, which means we can shop the market with top carriers to find the right plans for your business. Our goal is to simplify the process and take the guesswork out of employee benefits. Whether you're looking to offer employer-sponsored plans, voluntary benefits or a custom blend of both, we’ll help you build a package that fits your budget and supports your team!