Employee Benefits: More Than Just a Salary

You can offer someone a solid paycheck… and still lose them to a competitor offering less money. Why? Because benefits matter a lot more than many small business owners realize.

And we’re not just talking about health insurance (though that’s huge). We’re talking about the whole package: what it feels like to work at your company, the support employees receive, and whether they can see a future with you.

Let’s break it down with some real-life examples.

Think Beyond the Basics

Yes, traditional benefits like health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off are still top priorities.

But employees today also care about things like:

• Flexible hours or remote work

  • Example: “Flex Fridays,” where employees can work from anywhere—or take the day off if their weekly goals are met.

• Mental health resources

  • Example: Annual stipends employees can use for therapy, meditation apps, or wellness services.

• Parental leave

  • Example: Offering 8 weeks of paid (full or partial) leave for new parents, even if not required by law.

• Professional development

  • Example: Covering a portion of tuition for courses in your field.

• Recognition and rewards

  • Example: A “You Nailed It” Slack channel where employees nominate peers for gift cards and shoutouts each week.

It’s not just about surviving the workweek, it’s about thriving in life because of where you work.

Why Benefits Matter for Small Businesses

If you’ve ever worried, “We can’t compete with big companies,” here’s the good news: you don’t have to.

Small businesses have flexibility, creativity, and a personal touch that big corporations just can’t replicate. That’s a huge advantage.

Here’s what the right benefits can do for you:

• Attract better candidates – People want to work where they feel supported.

  • Example: Offering pet insurance or other unique benefits.

• Retain great employees – If someone feels valued, they’re not job-hunting on their lunch break.

  • Example: Giving employees their birthdays off with pay (a favorite at Atlas).

• Boost productivity – Healthy, happy people get more done.

  • Example: Paid “mental reset” days.

• Strengthen your culture – Benefits reflect your values.

  • Example: Sending quarterly care packages to remote employees with local snacks and handwritten notes.

Creative Benefits on a Budget

Can’t afford top-tier perks right now? That’s okay. Start small and get creative.

Here are a few low-cost, high-impact ideas:

• Offer flexible hours or remote days

• Celebrate wins with shoutouts or small bonuses

• Provide learning stipends for books, courses, or conferences

  • Example: $50–$100/month for employees to spend on professional growth, even a book or software tool.

• Give paid time for volunteering

  • Example: Up to 8 volunteer hours per year.

• Cover gym memberships or run wellness challenges

  • Example: A 30-day wellness challenge with free smoothies for participants.

Sometimes, the best benefit is simply showing your team that you see them AND you care.

The Bottom Line

When people talk about “great places to work,” they don’t always mean the fanciest offices or the biggest bonuses.

They mean places where they feel safe, their work matters, and they’re treated like humans, not numbers.

And that’s something any business, of any size, can build.

If you’re still thinking benefits are just a “nice-to-have,” think again. They’re one of the most powerful tools you have for creating a workplace people love and want to stay in.