Insider Update

As small businesses continue to recover and reopen, they’re faced with new challenges recruiting and retaining employees. More than 40% of small business owners reported having trouble finding job candidates to fill open positions, according to a recent survey from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. 

This has led many small business owners to revisit their benefit offerings to improve retention and productivity. And in our partnerships with brokers, we’re seeing many brokers create opportunities by stepping in to help their clients stand out in this challenging hiring environment.
 

Areas of opportunity to enhance small business offerings

As a broker, you can help small business clients recruit and retain talent by understanding what attracts employees and entices them to stay.

For 63% of job seekers, benefits and perks are major factors in determining whether to accept a job, according to Glassdoor’s Employment Confidence Survey. Employees are increasingly seeking out comprehensive benefits and perks, so brokers must be knowledgeable and creative when helping clients build benefits packages.
 

Dental and vison benefits are important to potential hires

Quality benefits that include dental and vision coverage are one of the most important considerations when candidates choose a position, according to a Fractl study on employee benefits. Combining these core benefits with wellness benefits, many of which can be delivered with no or minimal cost to the employer, can help small business owners differentiate themselves in a crowded marketplace.
 

Add value by pairing benefits

Research by Delta Dental and feedback from small business owners and brokers show that pairing products is a popular option. When you pair dental and vision benefits, you can help speed up the selection process and streamline plan administration ― there’s one application, one itemized bill and a single point of contact. Simplifying the administration can also free up time to partner with your clients and help them attract talent with a creative, innovative and well-designed collection of benefits. 

Note that our vision pairings are available only through Allied Administrators and in states where DeltaVision is offered. DeltaVision plans are currently available in AL, CA, DC, DE, FL, GA, LA, MT, NV, PA, UT and WV. 
 

Creating a benefits package is just the start

After your client purchases a package, you can continue to play a vital role by ensuring that products are easy to maintain, monitoring trends in the employment market and researching what employees want when they make employment decisions. And don’t forget to visit Insider Update to stay on top of benefits trends.

With a strategic, informed, and solution-focused broker in their corner, your clients can spend more time serving their customers and teams and less time trying to be benefits professionals.