Why are benefits important, and what should you consider when developing a benefit plan for your organization? Benefits constitute a significant portion of employee compensation costs, but having a competitive benefit package is vital to recruiting and retaining the best employees. The best benefit programs are those that align with an organization’s business strategy and compensation philosophy. For example, flexible benefit/cafeteria plans provide a means for employers to offer employees a customized benefit package while saving taxes for both the employer and employees. Employers also have to account for other certain major benefits, such as Social Security, Medicare, workers’ compensation, and unemployment compensation, which are mandated by law.