Axcet HR Solutions Blog │Human Resources Trends, News and Insights

Wondering Why Good Employees Leave? Here’s the Top Reason

Written by Jeanette Coleman, SPHR & SHRM-SCP | Jun 2, 2025 6:44:14 PM

You’re doing everything you can to retain good employees. So, why are they still leaving?

If you’ve been wondering why good employees leave, you’re not alone. Small and mid-sized business owners across the country are facing the same challenge. In today’s competitive hiring environment, top reasons why employees leave their jobs often go beyond salary or job titles.

One of the most overlooked, but powerful, answers to why people quit their jobs is this:

Inadequate benefits.

According to a recent survey, 70% of employees would leave their current job for one that offers better benefits—even if the pay was equal. And in smaller companies, where tight budgets often limit benefit offerings, that’s a serious retention risk.

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What Employees Really Want (That You Might Be Missing)

Big companies have long used benefits to attract and retain top talent. But today’s workers—especially younger generations—expect more than just a paycheck:

  • Affordable health insurance

  • Dental and vision coverage

  • 401(k) plans with employer contributions

  • Mental health resources

  • Flexible schedules and paid leave

  • Accident, life and disability coverage

If your business doesn’t offer these, your employees may start seeing you as a stepping stone—not a long-term home.

Don’t Fall for the Open Enrollment Myth

Many business owners hesitate to make benefit changes mid-year because they think they have to wait for open enrollment.

But when you partner with a certified PEO like Axcet, you can start anytime.

There’s no need to wait until Q4 or align with a traditional small business health insurance broker’s timeline. Axcet helps small businesses onboard at any point in the year—and your employees won’t have to wait to access better health insurance or new benefit options. In fact, midyear changes can actually boost retention by showing your team you're willing to act fast to improve their experience.

Delaying better benefits can cost you great employees. But with Axcet, you don’t have to delay.

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How to Keep Employees from Leaving: Level the Playing Field

You don’t need to be a national brand to offer top-tier benefits. With a certified professional employer organization (PEO) like Axcet HR Solutions, small businesses gain access to Fortune 500-level benefits at a rate they can afford—without building an in-house HR team or navigating complex compliance alone.

Axcet handles all the heavy lifting:

✅ Medical, dental and vision plans through top-tier providers
✅ 401(k) with payroll integration, fiduciary oversight and plan support
✅ Life, accident, disability, and voluntary benefits
✅ Employee assistance programs (EAPs)
✅ Mental health and wellness resources
✅ Compliance and administration
✅ Employee self-service portals

And unlike national PEOs or do-it-yourself benefit brokers, Axcet gives you a dedicated team—not a 1-800 number. 👉 Get a Custom Quote

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What’s Changed Since the Pandemic? Expectations.

The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped how employees think about work—and what they value most. Flexibility, well-being, and security are now at the top of the list.

In fact:

  • 77% of workers say employee benefits are a key part of overall job satisfaction

  • 84% say it’s important that a prospective employer offers mental health benefits

  • And younger workers, especially Millennials and Gen Z, are more likely to leave for an employer with better health coverage or more generous leave policies

If your benefits haven't evolved since 2019, you’re likely falling behind your competitors—and your employees may already be looking elsewhere.

Don’t Let Another Great Employee Walk

It costs up to twice an employee’s salary to replace them. But the fix may be simpler than you think. Better benefits lead to:

  • Lower turnover

  • Improved morale

  • Higher productivity

  • A stronger employer brand

And with Axcet, you don’t have to wait for open enrollment. We’ll help you make the switch seamlessly—any time of year.

RELATED: PEO Insurance - The Key to Affordable Employee Benefits >>

Ready to Compete for Top Talent?

Employee benefits are no longer optional—they’re your competitive edge. And with Axcet’s certified PEO model, small businesses gain big-business buying power, expert support, and employee confidence.

At Axcet, employee benefits—including PEO insurance options—are part of our comprehensive HR solution, which also includes payroll, risk management, compliance and HR support. As a certified PEO, we manage it all—so your team can focus on growing the business.

👉 Get a Custom Quote and find out how easy it is to offer better benefits—and better HR—starting now.