Benefits change based on talent requirements, but you'll always need to provide them to comply with the law and remain competitive. You might not be able to afford much, but it's worth thinking about what you want to offer.
When to offer benefits
Once you're ready to start hiring employees, you should start thinking about benefits. To attract quality employees, you'll need to stand out. However, if you have a stellar founding team and a product with traction, some potential hires might not need frills.
What are benefits
There are necessities and premium benefits. For example, you're required to comply with worker's compensation requirements, retirement and disability, state and federal taxes, and federal family and medical leave.
Healthcare is critical but quality packages are even more crucial for employees with families. You don't need to provide dental and vision, but they are almost a prerequisite in Silicon Valley.
If you want to step your game up, fringe benefits include pet-friendly offices, stocked kitchens, travel stipends, gym reimbursements, and professional development opportunities.
Benefits suggested vendors