Still, there are some common denominators. Take a look at these two benchmark studies, which examine benefits offered to employees of small businesses. Chances are that your rivals will be offering something similar, and a good employee will want benefits in line with those averages. The first study, issued in 1996 by the U.S. Labor Dept., looked at participation in employee benefit programs by 36 million full-time employees of small private companies. Those benefits are pretty much taken for granted.
Retirement plans are also popular, especially with professional and technical workers.
The nonprofit group in Washington, D.C., looked at small businesses that offered retirement plans and asked what other benefits they offered. For details of these studies, see our Benefit Benchmarks table . The McGraw-Hill Companies Inc. All rights reserved.