The Secret Costs of Not Offering Group Health Benefits

August 20, 2025by Alex Strautman

When you think about employee benefits, you probably focus on the price tag. But here’s the truth: not offering them can cost your business even more.

Why Employee Benefits Matter to Today’s Workforce

Today’s workforce doesn’t see health insurance as a perk. It’s a must-have. Skip it, and you risk losing great people to competitors who offer better packages. Surveys show health insurance tops the list of desired benefits, followed by retirement plans, paid time off, flexible work, and professional development.

If you’re not offering benefits, you’re taking yourself out of the running for top talent and making it easier for your current team to leave.

Employee Benefits and Small Business Hiring and Retention

Think about your competition. Whether it’s the local coffee shop, a national chain, or another small business down the street, you’re all fighting for the same pool of workers. Job seekers compare everything, including pay, hours, and benefits. If you don’t measure up, you lose out.

Turnover isn’t just stressful, it’s expensive.

  • Job postings: Ads on sites like Indeed or ZipRecruiter can cost hundreds each month.

  • Recruiter fees: Often a percentage of the new hire’s salary.

  • Referral rewards: Even employee-sourced hires can come with a payout.

All those costs add up fast, and they’re on top of lost productivity while positions stay unfilled.

The High Cost of Employee Turnover and Training

Every time someone quits, you’re paying twice: once to find their replacement and again to train them. That training often pulls your current team away from their work, slowing down operations and impacting your bottom line.

Affordable Employee Benefits for Small Business Owners

Here’s the good news. Offering benefits doesn’t have to break the bank. A licensed health insurance broker can walk you through your options at no cost to you. They’ll help you design a plan that works for your budget, while giving your employees real value.

With the CaliforniaChoice private exchange, you can:

  • Offer multiple health plan options from which your employees can choose.

  • Set your budget and keep costs predictable.

  • Compete with bigger companies for talent.

Offer Smarter Small Business Benefits — Without Breaking the Bank

The bottom line? Skipping benefits might save you money today, but it can cost you far more tomorrow. Explore your options and keep your team strong.

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Shopping for group health insurance?

This guide compiles a list of common questions you may have before you start offering health insurance coverage.
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