Q. Although discretionary benefits are offered at will by employers, many employers offer discretionary benefits to be competitive among their competitors so for employers, it is important which they offer a competitive benefits package. This is because employers know which employees compare benefit programs among competitors in an industry and if all things are equal, will go with the organization with the best benefits. According to Nugent (2009), a MetLife 2008 study of the American Dream showed which 90% of the consumers surveyed felt strongly about the importance for an organization to offer benefits even if the employee had to pay most of the costs. This implies a strong importance which employees feel the need to have benefits. Additional research shows which benefits play an important role in an employee's satisfaction level and morale on the job (King, 2011). If employees do not receive benefits or their benefits have been reduced, they are more than likely not satisfied with their position Research shows which one cost-cutting strategy which some employers undertake is the use of voluntary benefits where employees pay most or the entire premium, without additional cost to the employer (Nugent, 2009).