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By Bob Thompson

 The future is bright. Your business is growing. Your staff is growing. The foundation is strong. Now a new concern: How can you maintain the momentum? How can you make sure the staff you’ve put together and trained will be loyal to you and the company they’ve help build?

The answer – Reward them with a high quality Employee Benefit Package. Here’s what every new (and successful) business should know about Employee Benefits:

1. What Benefits should you offer? An employer who wants to hire and retain the highest quality employee must offer a quality Benefit Plan. Start with the “right” insurance carrier for your medical plan. Choose one that provides multiple options that meet your employees’ needs. Add to it, low cost options like dental, vision, life and disability. Build a benefit package that you and your employees will be proud of.

2. What about the cost? Healthcare doesn’t have to break the bank. Set up a monthly budget per employee. In Colorado, $200 to $300 per month per employee is a reasonable figure to work with. Let your employees know your budget, and that as the company grows you will reward them with increased contributions on your part. They will understand and respect your honesty.

3. The Final Piece to the Benefit puzzle – Selecting the correct Broker. Today’s Healthcare issues can be complex and confusing. PPO, HMO, HSA, FSA? What’s best for you and your employees? A qualified “Benefit Specialist” is like outsourcing an HR department. Let them assist with tasks such as: carrier and plan selection, employee education, enrollment, claim resolutions, as well as planning for the future. The best part? They work for free! A Broker becomes your advocate for no additional cost.

4. What qualities should you look for in a Broker? In my opinion, the most important quality is communication.

• Is your Broker a good listener?

• Do they understand your business goals?

• Do they understand your employees’ needs?

• Can they take that information and design the best “cost effective’ plan that satisfies your business goals?

• Will they take the time to educate your employees to ensure they get the most out of the benefit package?

Turn your health insurance plan into an Employee Benefit Package that will be an asset to your company and allow you the opportunity to reward your current staff and attract new quality employees in the future.