Small-Business Employees Could Use Financial Help

MetLife’s 9th Annual Study of Employee Benefits Trends found nearly two-thirds (62%) of Baby Boomers working for small businesses are very concerned about outliving their savings, and 59% are very concerned about having to work either full- or part-time in retirement. Only 29% of Boomers feel very confident in managing their money in a 401(k) or 403(b) plan, and yet these plans are more common at small businesses than traditional pension plans. For example, 19% of small business employers say they offer a defined benefit pension plan, but 61% offer a 401(k) plan.   

Benefits Tied to Loyalty  

Approximately 50% of surveyed small business employees who are not very satisfied with their benefits hope to be working for a different employer, according to MetLife’s 9th Annual Study of Employee Benefits Trends study. On the other hand, 72% of surveyed small business employees who are very satisfied with their benefits feel a very strong sense of loyalty to their employer.  

During the recession, many small businesses held the line on benefits. The study found that, overall, the percentage of small businesses offering certain benefits remained nearly the same in 2010 as in 2007: 

• Medical – 95% in 2007, 93% in 2010
• Prescription drugs – 87%, 87%
• Dental – 69%, 68%
• Life – 69%, 65%
• Disability – 63%, 63% 
• Vision – 54%, 55%

Overall, the study found a significant decline in employee loyalty. In November 2008, 62% of small business employees reported feeling a very strong sense of loyalty toward their employer, but in 2010 that number dropped to only 44%. One-third (34%) of small business employees surveyed would like to work for a different employer.