The workplace has become increasingly popular as a venue for the purchase of voluntary benefits. Voluntary benefits are defined as products or services that employees pay most or all of the cost. It is estimated that among small employers (10-100 employees) today that more than half offer at least one voluntary benefit, with many offering three or more. Without employer "sponsorship" through payroll deductions, employees are unable to participate in these product and service offerings.

Advantages include the ability for employees to "custom tailor" their benefits package to meet their personal needs and budget. Additionally, employers gain to the extent that the benefit premiums are run through the Section 125 plan on a pre-tax basis where the gross payroll is reduced saving FICA and Workers compensation in many states (including California). As the cost of offering core benefits continue to rise and employers find themselves shifting more of the cost to their employees, voluntary benefits can oftentimes fill the gap.