Offer a Competitive 401(k) Plan to Attract and Retain Top Talent

Author: Andrew Meadows / Reviewer: Callie Adams Farnsworth, QKA, CAFCA
12 Apr 2023 / 401(k) Plan Information, Small Business 401k

In today’s competitive job market, it’s more important than ever for small businesses to offer attractive benefits packages to attract and retain top talent. Not only does a comprehensive benefits plan help your employees save for the future, it also makes your small business stand out from the rest – and it even makes your business competitive with much larger companies. And where do those benefits begin? With a small business 401(k).

Why Offer a Competitive 401(k) Plan?

Employees have more options – and more power – than ever before, so offering a strong benefits package is often the key to getting them to choose your business over one of your competitors.

In addition to attracting top talent, a strong 401(k) plan can also improve employee morale and satisfaction. Employees who feel that their employer cares about their long-term financial security are more likely to be engaged and motivated on the job – so think of a 401(k) as a way of showing your employees you care.

As a small business owner, you can also receive tax benefits when you offer a 401(k) plan. Additionally, employer contributions to employee savings are tax-deductible, and your small business may even be eligible for tax credits for starting a plan.

Another benefit? Lower turnover rates, which means even more savings for you (plus you get to keep high-performing employees).

How to Create a Competitive 401(k) Plan

To create a competitive 401(k) plan, it’s important to find one that’s right for your small business. Some key considerations include:

• Understanding the needs of your employees. Different employees may have different financial goals and risk tolerance. It’s important to offer diverse investment options to accommodate these differences.
• Providing diverse investment options. Offering a range of investment options can help employees diversify their portfolios and maximize their returns.
• Offering employer matching contributions. This is a great way to incentivize employees to save more and take advantage of the benefits of the plan. (And money you match is tax-deductible.)
• Communicating the benefits of the plan to employees. Regular communication about the benefits can help encourage employees to participate in your small business’s plan.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Creating a 401(k) Plan

Once you’ve decided to implement a 401(k) plan to help your small business retain top talent, there are a few common mistakes to avoid:

• Not offering matching contributions. Without an employer match, your employees may be less motivated to contribute to the plan.
• Offering limited investment options. Offering a narrow range of investment options can limit employees’ ability to diversify their portfolios and maximize their returns.
• Failing to communicate the benefits of the plan to employees. Regular communication about the benefits of the plan can help encourage employees to participate in your business’s 401(k) plan.
• Not regularly reviewing and updating the plan. It’s important to regularly review the plan to ensure that it continues to meet your employees’ needs.

 

Ubiquity is not a registered investment advisor and no portion of the material herein should be construed as legal or tax advice. Please consult with your financial planner, attorney and/or tax advisor for advice.