Principal Develops Tools for Small-Business Needs

The offerings, unveiled during National Small Business Week (May 16-20), include a benchmarking tool that shows benefits offered by award-winning small businesses and national averages so employers can see how they compare. The tool, which includes other considerations for brokers, allows owners to assess benefits beyond insurance and includes ways to better manage benefits.  

Other features include:  

• Guide to benefits best practices  
• Benefits best practices checklists for voluntary, retirement, wellness and health care  
• Best practices in communication and education  
• Best practices in building and managing benefits  

“Small business owners recognize a strong employee benefits package usually pays off for the business as well as for employees,” said Amy Friedrich, vice president specialty benefits for the Principal Financial Group. “But there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, which is why we work with advisers and their small-business customers to find innovative ways to offer affordable benefits.”  

Through additional tools like a tax calculator, owners can determine if they are eligible for a tax credit on their group health insurance premiums as part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Many small businesses are eligible, yet only a quarter of small business owners realize they may qualify for credit, according to Principal.