Aflac Launches New Resources and Insights for Small-Business Owners

Tools and data provide employers with guidance and information they need to keep employees satisfied

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May 16, 2016, 05:31 ET

COLUMBUS, Ga., May 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Aflac (NYSE: AFL), the leading provider of voluntary insurance at the worksite in the United States, today announced the launch of its new Small Business Hub and results from its 2016 Small Business Happiness Report – both designed to serve as resources for small-business owners looking for insight to better support their employees and manage their business.

Created as a destination for employers, with a focus on small business, the newly designed Aflac Small Business Hub aggregates insights and resources small-business owners seek to help them with their benefits decisions. This includes references and tools to understand Health Care Reform legislation, the benefits of choosing the right insurance partner, how to keep and retain top talent, and more. The hub, available at aflac.com/smallbusiness, provides employers with important information they need in a manner that is engaging, quick to find and easy to digest all in one place provided by an industry expert.

"At Aflac, we understand that running a small business is a 24/7 job," said Matthew Owenby, Aflac senior vice president and chief human resources officer. "Staying on top of trends and insights in the changing health care benefits landscape can be overwhelming for many employers, but having valuable resources and information at their fingertips, such as those provided on the new Small Business Hub, can help put small-business owners' minds at ease."

Small businesses can breathe a sigh of relief – their employees are happier
According to Aflac's recent Happiness Report, small-business employees may be among the happiest people in the workforce. The survey found that 85 percent are happy in their current job and half agree that most of or all of their happiness in their current job is because they work for a small business owner who understands their needs.

Small businesses often offer many opportunities that are harder to come by in larger companies. Advantages such as flexible scheduling, being able to actually see the fruits of your labor and feeling that your input really matters were all noted by respondents as the best parts of working for a small business. Additionally, because of their size, small businesses provide an environment where employees feel like they are part of a family and working toward a shared goal.

However, the report also indicated there are some areas that can be improved. Nearly one-quarter (22 percent) of respondents say benefits offerings is one thing they like least about working for a small business. Additionally, 64 percent of respondents indicate an improvement in their benefits offerings would make them a happier employee.

"These findings highlight a big opportunity for small-business owners," Owenby added. "In today's workplace, finding talented employees is becoming more difficult for small-business employers. To help attract the best workers, and retain current employees, small-business owners can leverage a robust benefits offering with voluntary insurance options to let their employees know that they care about them, with no direct cost to their bottom line."

To learn more about the Aflac Small Business Hub and the 2016 Small Business Happiness Report, visit aflac.com/smallbusiness.

About Aflac
When a policyholder gets sick or hurt, Aflac pays cash benefits fast. For six decades, Aflac insurance policies have given policyholders the opportunity to focus on recovery, not financial stress. In the United States, Aflac is the leading provider of voluntary insurance at the worksite. Through its trailblazing One Day Pay^SM initiative, Aflac U.S. can receive, process, approve and disburse payment for eligible claims in one business day. In Japan, Aflac is the leading provider of medical and cancer insurance and insures 1 in 4 households. Aflac individual and group insurance products help provide protection to more than 50 million people worldwide. For 10 consecutive years, Aflac has been recognized by Ethisphere as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies. In 2016, Fortune magazine recognized Aflac as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America for the 18th consecutive year and included Aflac on its list of Most Admired Companies for the 15th time, ranking the company No. 1 in innovation for the insurance, life and health category for the second consecutive year. In 2015, Aflac's contact centers were recognized by J.D. Power by providing "An Outstanding Customer Service Experience" for the Live Phone Channel. Aflac Incorporated is a Fortune 500 company listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AFL. To find out more about Aflac and One Day Pay^SM, visit aflac.com or espanol.aflac.com.

Media contact – Kristen Fraser, 706.243.5543 or [email protected]

Analyst and investor contact – Robin Y. Wilkey, 706.596.3264 or 800.235.2667, FAX: 706.324.6330, or [email protected]

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SOURCE Aflac