When Employees Know the Benefits of their Benefits

Cathie Leimbach • August 13, 2024

Many workplaces offer valuable benefits in addition to salary and wages. When employees understand the true value of these benefits, they generally feel that the company cares about them and their families. Retention increases because employees are less likely to leave on a whim or for a small increase in pay.


However, workplace benefits have the most impact on employee retention when employees understand their value. For instance, the cost of an employee's health insurance, often fully or partially covered by the employer, can be substantial. Tell your employees how much you are paying each month for this valuable coverage. Don’t leave them in the dark.  


Another common practice is for employers to match portion of the employee’s contributions to their retirement plan such as a 401(k). This can greatly increase retirement savings. And, when employees understand the power of compound interest they are more likely to start retirement savings at a young age to benefit from this employer-funded boost to their account.


Additionally, employers often pay for life insurance equivalent to one year's salary. Employees and their families appreciate the financial security this provides in the event of a tragedy.



Offering such benefits and ensuring employees understand their value strengthens employee commitment and retention. 

Looking Ahead to a Fruitful 2026

By Cathie Leimbach • December 30, 2025
As the New Year approaches, it’s a natural time to look forward and ask what you want the next chapter to bring. One simple way to reflect to ask yourself three questions to create a stronger year ahead, what should you: Stop?, Continue?, and Start? Stop focusing energy on habits, meetings, or expectations that no longer serve you or your team. This might mean letting go of outdated processes, unnecessary urgency, or ways of working that drain momentum without adding value. Continue the practices that helped you gain traction this year. Think about what worked—perhaps clear communication, strong collaboration, consistent follow-through, or time spent developing people. These are the behaviors worth protecting and reinforcing. Start being intentional about what will move you forward in 2026. This could include setting clearer priorities, investing in leadership development, building healthier team rhythms, or creating space for innovation and growth. Taking time to reflect now helps you enter the New Year with purpose rather than pressure. Small, thoughtful shifts can create meaningful impact over time. Ready to turn reflection into action?  👉 View our Stop • Continue • Start Worksheet for a simple, practical way to reset priorities, build on what’s working, and step into 2026 with clarity and momentum.

Take a Moment for Joy

By Cathie Leimbach • December 23, 2025
As the year comes to a close, it’s worth pausing to ask a simple question: What brought you joy this year at work and in life? Joy doesn’t always arrive in big, headline moments. Often, it shows up quietly—in meaningful conversations, shared laughter, progress made, lessons learned, or the steady presence of people who support us. Sometimes joy is found in growth, sometimes in rest, and sometimes in simply getting through a challenging season with resilience and grace. Take a few minutes to reflect. What moments made you smile? When did you feel most connected? For what are you grateful? This reflection isn’t about ignoring the hard parts of the year. It’s about honoring the bright spots that sustained you through them. Recognizing joy helps us close the year with perspective and open the next one with hope. As the holidays approach, give yourself permission to slow down, savor meaningful moments, and share joy with others—through kindness, gratitude, and presence.  May this season be filled with moments that lift your spirit, and may you carry that joy with you into the year ahead. 👉 Take a moment to pause this season—view the Reflecting on Joy one-pager and reflect on what brought meaning to your work and life this year. Wishing you a truly joy-filled Christmas season .