Your Benefits Broker Should Save You More Than They Cost.
Most employers overpay for benefits — not because they’re careless, but because they don’t have an expert in their corner at renewal time. JS Benefits Group delivers measurable, documented savings through smarter plan design, aggressive carrier negotiation, and compliance that prevents costly mistakes.

The Numbers Are Staggering.
Healthcare costs are projected to rise 7–8% in 2026, yet 67% of employers renew without ever shopping the market — because carriers count on that inertia. We don’t let that happen. From level-funded plan design to ACA compliance, our clients typically save 15–30% in year one — and every service is included at no additional cost.

Real Employers. Real Savings.
A Pennsylvania manufacturer with 145 employees saved $187,000 in year one. A New Jersey firm avoided $94,500 in IRS penalties. A Delaware healthcare organization reduced premiums by 22% — while employees actually preferred the new plan.

Find Out What You’re Leaving on the Table.
A free benefits analysis takes less than an hour and shows you exactly what your current plan is costing you — and what a smarter strategy would save. No pressure. No obligation. Just numbers.

Submit the form on the left or click here for more information.

Your Benefits Broker Should Save You More Than They Cost.
Most employers overpay for benefits — not because they’re careless, but because they don’t have an expert in their corner at renewal time. JS Benefits Group delivers measurable, documented savings through smarter plan design, aggressive carrier negotiation, and compliance that prevents costly mistakes.

The Numbers Are Staggering.
Healthcare costs are projected to rise 7–8% in 2026, yet 67% of employers renew without ever shopping the market — because carriers count on that inertia. We don’t let that happen. From level-funded plan design to ACA compliance, our clients typically save 15–30% in year one — and every service is included at no additional cost.

Real Employers. Real Savings.
A Pennsylvania manufacturer with 145 employees saved $187,000 in year one. A New Jersey firm avoided $94,500 in IRS penalties. A Delaware healthcare organization reduced premiums by 22% — while employees actually preferred the new plan.

Find Out What You’re Leaving on the Table.
A free benefits analysis takes less than an hour and shows you exactly what your current plan is costing you — and what a smarter strategy would save. No pressure. No obligation. Just numbers.

Submit the form on the left or click here for more information.

About Jennifer Schaefer

Jennifer Schaefer, MBA, CLU, CHFC, RHU, REBC, SHRM-SCP – Employee Benefits Expert | HR Leader | Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist I help businesses lower healthcare costs, implement level funded and self-funded plans, and create benefits programs that attract and retain top talent. Featured in the Philadelphia Inquirer and BestofHR.
7 05, 2019

Why Paid Maternity Leave is so good for Businesses

By |2019-04-23T07:55:46-04:00May 7th, 2019|Categories: Employee Benefits|

Even with numerous campaigns on more inclusivity towards women in the workplace, not many employers have the same opinion about maternity paid leave in the workplace. The general opinion fostered by most managers is that a paid leave extending to over 2 to 3 months is a waste of resources that can be utilized somewhere else. […]

6 05, 2019

The Pros and Cons of Offering Equity to Your Employees

By |2019-04-23T07:51:26-04:00May 6th, 2019|Categories: Employee Benefits|

Offering employees equity shares in the organization is one of the best methods for fostering loyalty and attracting new talent. Not only is it a growing benefit offered by the organizations, but it is one that has attracted a lot of loyalty from employees.

Here we look at the pros and cons of offering equity to employees, and whether organizations can continue with this practice in the foreseeable future. […]

3 05, 2019

The Most Common Challenges Facing the Human Resource Department

By |2019-04-23T07:47:57-04:00May 3rd, 2019|Categories: HR|

While issues such as cash flow exhaustion and competition with the market are well documented, there isn’t much discussion on the impact of the challenges faced by the HR department. The HR department is host to numerous challenges, and the future seems to host many more challenges for them as well.

Here we take a look at some of the many challenges that are facing the HR department, and try to define these challenges for interpretation: […]

2 05, 2019

The Benefits of Gamification at the Workplace

By |2019-04-23T07:45:13-04:00May 2nd, 2019|Categories: Workplace|

Businesses are always on a quest to make the work life for their employees easier. In this day and age it is extremely easy for employees to get burdened with the monotonous routine at their workplace, which is why they can start contemplating about making the shift to another company. […]

1 05, 2019

Steps Businesses Can Follow to Avoid Litigation

By |2019-04-23T07:42:16-04:00May 1st, 2019|Categories: Small Business|

An organization focused on overall improvement and on achieving efficiency in its true form would never want to waste time on useless litigation processes that take the fuel out of their engine. Instead, they would do all that is possible to avoid litigation and conflict. […]

30 04, 2019

Employee Benefits Packages for Small Businesses: How Voluntary Benefits Can Help

By |2026-05-06T11:47:52-04:00April 30th, 2019|Categories: Voluntary Benefits|

Employee Benefits Packages for Small Businesses: How Voluntary Benefits Can Help

Many employers want to offer stronger employee benefits packages for small businesses, but cost, administration, and plan selection can make the process feel difficult. When a company is focused on payroll, hiring, operations, and growth, adding more benefits may seem out of reach.

Voluntary benefits can help small businesses expand their benefits options without requiring the employer to pay the full cost of every added plan. These benefits give employees access to additional coverage they can choose based on their personal needs, often through payroll deduction.

For growing businesses, voluntary benefits can support recruiting, retention, and employee satisfaction while keeping the overall benefits strategy manageable.

What Are Voluntary Benefits?

Voluntary benefits are optional employee benefits that workers can choose in addition to their core benefits. Depending on the plan, they may be paid fully by the employee, shared between the employer and employee, or included as part of a broader benefits strategy.

Common voluntary benefits include dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, short-term disability insurance, long-term disability insurance, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, and hospital indemnity coverage.

These benefits do not replace a compliant health insurance plan. Instead, they can help fill coverage gaps and give employees more choices.

Why Voluntary Benefits Matter for Small Businesses

Small businesses often compete with larger employers for talented employees. While a smaller company may not have the same budget as a large corporation, it can still offer a thoughtful benefits package that employees value.

Voluntary benefits can make the overall package more useful by giving employees access to coverage beyond standard health insurance. This can help employees feel more supported without forcing the employer to take on every added cost.

They Can Add Value Without Major Employer Costs

Cost is one of the main reasons small businesses hesitate to add benefits. Voluntary benefits can help because many plans are paid partly or fully by employees.

This gives employers a way to offer more benefit choices while still managing cash flow. The business can improve its package without committing to the full premium cost of every additional benefit.

However, employers should still review plan details, participation requirements, payroll setup, and employee needs before adding coverage.

They Give Employees More Coverage Choices

Not every employee needs the same benefits. One employee may care about dental and vision coverage, while another may value life insurance, disability protection, or accident coverage.

Voluntary benefits allow employees to choose the options that fit their health, family, and financial situation. This makes the benefits package more flexible and more useful.

For small businesses, that flexibility can be a major advantage. It helps the company offer more value without creating a one-size-fits-all program.

They Can Help Fill Gaps in a Health Plan

Even with health insurance, employees may still face deductibles, copays, prescriptions, lost income, dental expenses, vision needs, or costs related to a hospital stay.

Voluntary benefits can help address some of these gaps. Disability insurance may help protect income if an employee cannot work because of a qualifying illness or injury. Accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity coverage may help with certain unexpected costs.

The right options depend on the business, the current benefits package, and the needs of the workforce.

They Can Support Recruiting and Retention

Employees often look at more than pay when deciding whether to accept a job or stay with a company. Benefits can influence how they view the total value of their employment.

For small businesses, retention matters. Replacing employees can be expensive and disruptive because of recruiting, onboarding, training, and lost productivity.

Voluntary benefits can help strengthen the overall employment package. When employees feel they have access to useful coverage options, they may be more likely to see the company as a long-term fit.

What Should Small Businesses Consider Before Offering Voluntary Benefits?

Before adding voluntary benefits, employers should review their current benefits package and identify where employees may need more support. This may include looking at health plan costs, employee feedback, workforce size, payroll capabilities, and budget.

Employers should also think about communication. Employees need to understand what each benefit does, what it does not cover, how premiums work, and when they can use the coverage.

A benefits consultant can help compare options, explain plan differences, and guide the enrollment process.

Frequently Asked Questions About Voluntary Benefits

Voluntary benefits are optional employee benefits that workers can choose in addition to their core benefits. Examples include dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, accident insurance, critical illness coverage, and hospital indemnity coverage.

Some voluntary benefits are paid fully by employees, while others may be shared between the employer and employee. The cost structure depends on the plan, carrier, contribution strategy, and employer setup.

No. Voluntary benefits should not replace a compliant health insurance plan. They are usually used to supplement a benefits package and provide employees with additional coverage choices.

Voluntary benefits can help small businesses offer more coverage options while managing employer costs. They can also support recruiting, retention, employee satisfaction, and financial wellness.

The right options depend on the business, workforce, budget, and current benefits package. Common choices include dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, accident insurance, critical illness coverage, and hospital indemnity coverage.

Talk to JS Benefits Group About Benefits Options

Choosing benefits does not have to be overwhelming. Small businesses need clear guidance, practical options, and a strategy that works for both the employer and employees.

JS Benefits Group can help small businesses review voluntary benefits, compare coverage options, and build a stronger benefits package. Our team can help explain available plans and guide your business through the process.

Contact JS Benefits Group today to learn how voluntary benefits can help support your employees and strengthen your overall benefits package.

Author Note:

This article is intended for small business owners and employers reviewing employee benefits options. Because plan availability, contribution structure, participation requirements, and compliance considerations can vary, employers should speak with a qualified benefits consultant before making final decisions.

29 04, 2019

Reasons Why You Should Invest in Employee Development

By |2019-04-23T07:28:36-04:00April 29th, 2019|Categories: HR|

Employees really appreciate when their current organization recognizes their potential and invests in their growth and potential maximization. One part of this is done through employee development and enhancing the skill set that employees possess. […]

26 04, 2019

Reasons Why You Should Allow Your Employees to Work Remotely

By |2019-04-23T07:23:52-04:00April 26th, 2019|Categories: HR|

Remote employment and remote employees have certainly been under the microscope recently. While employees have always enjoyed the idea of working remotely, the support of the management has meant that the notion is considered more acceptable in the modern workplace. […]

22 04, 2019

Does Recreation at the Workplace Boost Productivity?

By |2019-04-19T08:27:40-04:00April 22nd, 2019|Categories: Workplace|

Employers in this day and age are always on the lookout for answers to how they get their employees to perform at their full potential. This is pretty much the key factor on how managers are judge. A manager that is able to extract full potential out of the employees would be considered better than someone else, who is unable to get that kind of results going. […]