May is Small Business Month, an opportunity to recognize the innovation, resilience, and community impact of small businesses across the country. While large corporations may have the budgets and staff to support expansive HR teams, small businesses are often driven by leaner operations and a more personal, people-first approach. That means every hire matters, every benefit counts, and every communication must work harder.
When it comes to Total Rewards, small businesses have just as much to gain, and to offer, as their larger counterparts. The key is building a strategy that reflects your company’s unique values, communicates clearly, and supports long-term retention.
A Total Rewards strategy includes more than just salary. It encompasses health and wellness benefits, paid time off, retirement contributions, professional development opportunities, recognition programs, and your company’s culture as a whole. For small businesses, building a compelling Total Rewards package is less about volume and more about clarity, flexibility, and relevance.
Here are a few key strategies to help small businesses make the most of their Total Rewards communication:
In small teams, employees often wear multiple hats and make significant contributions. Recognizing their value starts with showing them what they’re really earning.
Many employees focus solely on their take-home pay, unaware of the additional investment their employer is making through benefits, time off, and more. A Total Rewards Statement helps bridge that gap by breaking down compensation in a way that is transparent and meaningful.
From employer healthcare contributions to wellness reimbursements and training budgets, a well-crafted Total Rewards Statement gives employees insight into everything that makes up their compensation, not just the paycheck.
Personalized communication is one of the biggest advantages small businesses have. You’re often closer to your team and can tailor rewards to their needs.
Use your internal communication channels to personalize messaging based on life stage or employee preferences. Highlight the benefits that matter most, whether that’s student loan support for younger staff, flexible scheduling for parents, or professional development for high performers.
A clear communication strategy that connects these offerings to your company’s values can build stronger loyalty and trust.
You don’t need to match a big corporation’s benefits budget to build a compelling package. Focus on what your team needs most and what sets you apart culturally.
Ideas include:
● Mental health days and flexible PTO
● Access to local coworking spaces
● Company-sponsored financial wellness webinars
● Recognition programs that reward tenure, innovation, or teamwork
What matters most is not how much you spend, but how clearly and consistently you communicate the value you’re offering.
Total Rewards should not be a one-time email or only referenced during onboarding. Make it a year-round part of employee communications.
Use onboarding, reviews, and team meetings as opportunities to reinforce what’s available. Many small businesses also include highlights in internal newsletters or set reminders for employees to use wellness stipends or benefits before year-end.
When employees are regularly reminded of their full compensation, they’re more likely to feel satisfied, supported, and invested in your mission.
At the heart of this strategy is visibility. A Total Rewards Statement provides a clear, personalized breakdown of what each employee receives. For small businesses, this can help:
● Increase transparency and trust
● Improve employee retention
● Strengthen communication without needing additional HR headcount
Small businesses may not always have expansive HR departments or endless budgets, but they do have the ability to build strong relationships with their employees and that starts with clear communication.
By implementing a thoughtful Total Rewards strategy and consistently showcasing the value you offer, your business can retain top talent, increase engagement, and cultivate a workplace where employees feel recognized and valued.
Looking for a managed Total Rewards Communication platform?
The backstitch Total Rewards Platform offers a fully branded, interactive experience where employees can access their Total Rewards anytime, on desktop or mobile. Combine data-rich statements with personalized content, online access, and ongoing engagement to create a Total Rewards strategy that scales with your organization.
Explore how backstitch can help enhance your Total Rewards Communication Strategy.
Need a self-service option to generate Total Rewards Statements quickly?
TRS Express is our standalone tool that lets HR teams quickly generate professional, personalized Total Rewards Statements without needing complex integrations. TRS Express is a perfect option for small teams, individual statement updates, or candidate statements.