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What Are Fringe Benefits and Should You Offer Them?
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Key Takeaways
- Fringe benefits are extra perks employers give to boost an employee's pay.
- Companies with great benefits have an edge in drawing and keeping top talent.
- Some fringe benefits don't get taxed, but others do, based on their value.
- Unique fringe benefits, like pet-friendly offices or free ice cream, can make a company stand out.
- Telling job seekers about benefits early can greatly affect their choice to apply or accept a job.
What Are Fringe Benefits?
Fringe benefits are extra perks given by employers to their workers, not just their regular pay. These can be things like property, cash, discounts, or even special experiences. The goal is to make employees happy, keep them around, and help them balance work and life.
Studies show that 60% of job seekers look at benefits when choosing a job. And 78% of employees stay with a company because of its benefits. This shows how important it is to offer good fringe benefits to keep great employees.
Taxable Fringe Benefits
Most fringe benefits are taxed by the IRS. The IRS website says that employers must include the value of these benefits on an employee's Form W-2. Employees then pay taxes on these benefits.
But, there are some benefits that don't get taxed. These include things like health benefits, employee stock options, and cell phones. It's important for employers and employees to know which benefits are taxed and which aren't.
Don't lose track of another open enrollment to-do.
Open enrollment can be overwhelming for HR teams. They have a lot to do and deadlines to meet. To make it easier, use tools like checklists and calendars to keep track of everything.
Good communication with employees is key during open enrollment. Make sure they understand the benefits, any changes, and how to enroll. Offer ways for them to ask questions, like webinars or meetings with HR.
How to Calculate Fringe Benefits
To figure out the cost of fringe benefits, employers use a fringe benefits rate. This rate shows how much benefits cost compared to wages, as a percentage. As of June 2023, benefits made up 29.4% of total pay in the private sector.
To find the fringe benefits rate for salaried workers, follow these steps:
- Find out the employee's yearly salary.
- Figure out the yearly cost of their benefits.
- Divide the yearly benefits cost by the salary.
- Multiply the result by 100 to get the fringe benefits rate as a percentage.
For example, if an employee makes $50,000 a year and their benefits cost $15,000, the fringe benefits rate is:
($15,000 / $50,000) x 100 = 30%
This means their fringe benefits are worth 30% of their salary.
Knowing the fringe benefits rate helps employers see if their benefits are good and affordable. It helps them make smart choices about their employee benefits.
Fringe Benefits Examples by Industry
Companies know that offering health insurance is a must for attracting employees. But, they also need to give more to stand out. The fringe benefits offered vary by industry, company size, and what job seekers want. Here are some examples of fringe benefits in different industries:
Fully paid healthcare; fertility and adoption benefits; wellness incentives; unlimited time off; free gym memberships; transportation; gourmet cafeteria food; product discounts; paid nature days
Offering a wide range of fringe benefits helps companies attract and keep top talent. It also makes employees happier and creates a positive work culture. By matching benefits to what employees want, companies can stand out in the job market.
Improve Your Employee Benefits Strategy
Investing in fringe health benefits is a smart move to attract and keep top talent. With 87% of private sector employees having health insurance from their jobs, offering fringe benefits is key to stay competitive. A good benefits package helps with physical, financial, and professional well-being, making employees happier and more loyal.
It's important to think about what your workers need. Two-thirds of employees worry about money, so adding financial wellness programs can help. Also, most employees want to grow in their careers, so offering chances for professional development is a must. This shows you care about their future and builds loyalty.
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To add fringe benefits to your hiring and keeping employees plan, know the different benefits, their tax rules, and how to value them. Use the IRS' Fringe Benefit Guide and get advice from experts. By being proactive with your benefits, you make your company a top choice for hiring and keeping great employees.
At RISK, we have fully embraced the importance of comprehensive fringe benefits in attracting and retaining top talent. We have implemented a wide range of strategies discussed in this article to create a competitive and supportive work environment for our employees.
Our benefits package includes robust medical and healthcare coverage, ensuring our employees have access to quality care when they need it. We also recognize the importance of mental health support and provide resources and programs to promote emotional well-being.
Understanding the value of continuous learning and development, we offer extensive training benefits to help our employees grow professionally and advance their careers within our organization. This investment in our workforce not only benefits individual employees but also strengthens our company as a whole.
Additionally, we have implemented a comprehensive cafeteria benefits plan, allowing our employees to choose from a wide range of benefits that best suit their individual needs and lifestyles. This flexibility ensures that our benefits package remains relevant and valuable to our diverse workforce.
By implementing these strategies, RISK demonstrates our commitment to our employees' overall well-being and job satisfaction. We believe that by investing in our workforce through these comprehensive fringe benefits, we are not only attracting and retaining top talent but also fostering a positive and productive work environment that contributes to our company's long-term success.
FAQ
What are fringe benefits?
Fringe benefits are extra things companies give to their workers. They are a way for employers to pay their employees more than just their regular salary. These benefits can be things like property, cash, discounts, or even special experiences.
Is health insurance a fringe benefit?
Yes, health insurance is a fringe benefit many employers offer. The IRS says some benefits, like health and life insurance, don't get taxed. But, others are taxed based on their value.
What are some examples of fringe benefits?
Some fringe benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, and paid vacation. Other examples are company cars, gym memberships, and help with adoption or college tuition. Each company offers different benefits based on their type and location.
How do fringe benefits help companies?
Fringe benefits help companies attract, motivate, and keep good employees. Companies that want the best talent often offer great benefits. These benefits can really influence someone's choice to join or stay with a company.
What is the average percentage of fringe benefits compared to salary?
The fringe benefits rate shows how much benefits make up of an employee's total pay. In June 2023, benefit costs made up 29.4% of total pay in the private sector, says the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Are fringe benefits taxable?
The IRS says fringe benefits are taxable and must be counted as part of the employee's income. If the employee is a regular worker, they have to pay taxes on these benefits and report them on Form W-2.
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