.webp?width=1200&height=800&name=how-to-use-employee-benefits-as-a-recruitment-tool%20(1).webp)
If you’re not using employee benefits as part of your recruitment strategy, you’re missing one of the most effective recruitment techniques available to small and mid-sized businesses. While not every company can offer the highest salary, offering meaningful, flexible and inclusive benefits can give you a powerful competitive edge.
In fact, compensation isn’t always the deciding factor for top candidates. A 2016 Aflac study found that 72% of millennials would choose a job with better benefits over one with higher pay. That matters because millennials make up the largest segment of the workforce today.
Here are six ways to use employee benefits to improve recruitment and stand out in a crowded hiring market.
One of the simplest recruitment techniques: don’t wait until the offer stage to talk about benefits. Your employee benefits package should be clearly presented in job descriptions, during interviews and across your careers page.
While your core benefits may be similar to what competitors offer, highlight what makes yours better. For example:
Bringing benefits into the conversation early helps candidates evaluate your total value proposition—not just the paycheck.
Too often, small business hiring managers lead with salary. But top candidates—especially younger ones—want to understand the whole package.
According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), benefits account for 31% of total compensation on average. Help candidates understand how your offerings stack up by talking about:
A total compensation approach makes your opportunity feel more valuable—and more competitive.
RELATED: How Much Should I Pay My Employees? >>
Offering the standard trio—medical, dental, vision—is a baseline. To attract top-tier talent, consider layering in less common benefits that support work-life balance, mental well-being and individual choice.
Some in-demand, non-traditional benefits include:
20% of employers now offer this, with demand growing among purpose-driven employees. Learn more about Volunteer Time Off (VTO) here >>
From certification reimbursement to online courses or career coaching, ongoing learning is especially appealing to Gen Z and millennials.
Let employees adjust their hours, split shifts or work four 10-hour days to support personal needs and reduce burnout.
Even occasional work-from-home options appeal to today’s workforce—especially post-pandemic.
This can include gym stipends, mindfulness apps, biometric screenings, fitness challenges or access to wellness coaching.
Think beyond the desk: communal workspaces, snacks and coffee, game rooms, or flexible seating options go a long way.
There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to benefits. A young tech team may value learning stipends and flexible hours, while experienced professionals might prioritize family leave, long-term care or retirement matching.
Use candidate feedback and employee engagement data to refine offerings over time. Offering a customizable or tiered benefits plan can also help employees choose what matters most to them.
RELATED: 3 Creative Employee Recruitment Strategies that Really Work >>
Make sure your benefits are featured on your careers page, in recruiting emails, on social media and in employer branding materials. When candidates are comparing offers, these value-added extras often tip the scale.
If your benefits program supports diversity, mental health, work-life balance or professional growth—say so. Don’t make candidates dig for this information.
Axcet HR Solutions is a certified Professional Employer Organization (PEO) that helps small businesses offer Fortune 500-level benefits at a cost they can afford.
When you partner with Axcet, you gain access to:
RELATED: Avoid Making the 9 Most Common Employee Benefits Mistakes >>
In today's competitive job market, a compelling benefits package can be the key differentiator in attracting and retaining top talent. Axcet HR Solutions specializes in helping small and mid-sized businesses design and communicate comprehensive benefits offerings that resonate with candidates. From traditional health plans to innovative perks like paid volunteer time, our consultants ensure your benefits strategy aligns with your recruitment goals.
Discover how Axcet’s Talent Management Consulting Services can elevate your hiring process
.png){kind=logo}
Let us know what you think...