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What is the cost of working at small and medium sized companies (SMEs)? 

Benefits that fall short

More SME employees say their benefits don’t meet their needs compared to employees in larger companies.

Below are percentages of employees at organizations who agree or strongly agree that the benefits provided by their employer meets their needs:
42%

<50 employees (SMEs)

55%

50-249 employees (SMEs)

64%

250-499 employees (SMEs)

60-68%

Larger organizations

More SME employees also say their benefits fall short of industry standards.

Below are percentages of employees at organizations who agree or strongly agree that the benefits provided by their employer match or exceed industry standards:
36%

<50 employees (SMEs)

55%

50-249 employees (SMEs)

63%

250-499 employees (SMEs)

58%

Larger organizations

Offering benefits that meet the diverse needs of SME employees can help change perceptions of how much SMEs care about their people’s health and wellbeing.

Below are percentages of employees at organizations who agree or strongly agree that their employer cares about their health and wellbeing:
51%

<50 employees (SMEs)

59%

50-249 employees (SMEs)

66%

250-499 employees (SMEs)

61-69%

Larger organizations

Source: Health On Demand 2025 (Mercer Marsh Benefits)
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