These employers have taken radically different paths when it comes to providing or not providing benefits to their part-time employees. How can the broker community talk to employers about coverage for part-time employees? It's a large (and growing) workforce, yet it's also complicated and time-consuming because of its high turnover. Why would an employer focus HR resources on its part-time workforce? And why would an employer offer benefits that don't help individuals comply with the mandate to their employees? What's the value in offering voluntary benefits? There are five key reasons:

Voluntary benefits are a form of compensation and count when it comes to recruiting and retention. Employers that need part-time employees may see increased competition for good workers as more employers look for part-time workers to fill their needs. Employees who purchase benefits through their employer have more to consider when it comes to changing jobs. Hiring and training will always be expensive so tools to retain employees should be implemented.
Employees trust their employer's HR team more than their own decision-making when it comes to purchasing insurance. Understanding the ins and outs of benefits is difficult. Employees are not accustomed to shopping for benefits and would rather have someone with expertise aid their decision-making. Simple options that have been vetted by HR professionals make employees feel better.
Group benefits are almost always a better value than individual benefits. Employers buy group coverage and pass on important features like lower cost and minimal to zero underwriting for the employee. This make for a much simpler enrollment. Making benefits attainable for part-time employees promotes participation in the system versus outright exclusion.
Payroll deduction is the most convenient way to purchase benefits. Employees like it, even if post tax.
Offering these benefits will not interfere with an employee's eligibility to apply for and receive a subsidy through an exchange when purchasing major medical coverage. All the benefits mentioned will pay in addition to any qualifying coverage that an employee might have purchased.

Employers who take the lead in offering part-time employees the ability to build out a benefit framework will win when it comes to hiring and retaining good employees. Restaurant groups, retail chains and staffing companies are facing hiring issues and many of them are turning to benefit plans to attack the problem.

Instant Insights /

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