Companies trying to recruit and retain the best talent mightwant to take a closer look at voluntary benefits — it's another wayto expand offerings to employees without increasing costs to theemployer.

Related: Employees see vision benefits as important part ofpackage

According to employer services solution provider DP HealthNow, part of DentalPlans.com, the discounts offered toemployees give them the opportunity to have options they otherwisemight not have, even though the employer isn't adding to the costof the overall benefits package. While voluntary benefits come withgroup rate discounts, it's the employees who pay for the benefitsthey want, should they choose to join such plans.

A recent survey by MetLife finds that more than half ofrespondents say that they would pay for benefits that increasetheir sense of financial security and support a better work-lifebalance. But which benefits are chosen by employees depends ontheir age and other contributing factors.

“We've seen a significant rise in interest over the past year inour voluntary benefits plan :DP HealthNow, which includestelehealth, healthcare advocacy, medical bill negotiation, visionand dental discounts among other options,” Keith Franklin, vicepresident of group benefits for DentalPlans.com's employer servicessolution :DP HealthNow, says in a statement. Franklin adds, “We'velearned that one size does not fit all and we work to providesolutions that make sense.”

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The BenefitsPRO/Eastbridge voluntary benefits survey also indicates thatinsurance brokers see strong interest in voluntary benefits, withrespondents indicating that brokers are selling voluntary benefitsmore actively than was the case just a few years ago. In fact,voluntary products are accounting for a larger percentage of allbenefit brokers' current revenue streams.

Voluntary benefits can run the gamut from medical billnegotiation, health care advocacy, telemedicine/telehealth, dental,vision and fitness to financial planning, prescription discounts,cybersecurity and/or identity theft protection, health care forpets and education/tuition reimbursement. With such a wide array ofofferings, employees are almost certain to find something thatsuits their particular needs — and buy into it.

According to Franklin, “Employees walk away happy because theyhave more options and access to services and discounts, whilecompanies increase their chances of obtaining quality talent.”

Related: One of the best new employee benefits is about toget even better

Franklin continues, “Businesses tell us that our plan helps themmeet recruitment goals and support employee needs in aneconomically sensible way, and gain quantifiable results from theirinvestment. Typically, the measurable ROI includes happier,healthier employees, reduced stress and medical absenteeism, alongwith increased productivity and loyalty to the company.”