COLUMBUS, Ga., Aug. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Nearly two-thirds (63 percent) of small business decision-makers are concerned about their company's ability to provide a benefits package that will attract and retain employees, according to a recent survey commissioned by Aflac.

Now small business owners have access to free resources like "Attracting and Retaining Excellent Employees," a booklet that offers insightful background information, research and tips on health benefits. The booklet addresses the specific needs of small business owners and is downloadable from Aflac's small business-focused Web site, www.aflacsb.com in the Tips and Resources section.

"The success of any organization resides within its people, so attracting and keeping good employees is critical," said Paul S. Amos II, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Aflac. "Because Aflac recognizes and respects the contribution small businesses make to the growth of our economy, we want to offer resources relevant to them."

The Aflac-commissioned survey of 501 small business decision-makers also found that 37 percent are concerned that health benefit offerings impact their ability to attract and retain good employees and nearly half (49 percent) of respondents agree that they cannot attract and retain top-quality employees without offering competitive health benefits.

"Aflac is taking strides in the small business sector to offer resources such as our small business Web site www.aflacsb.com," said Amos. "Through the Web site and other vehicles, we hope to proactively engage and address the specific challenges, concerns and needs of small business owners."

Aflacsb.com includes tips, research, downloadable resources like the "Attracting and Retaining Excellent Employees" booklet and a variety of other information from Aflac and small business experts. To read or download "Attracting and Retaining Excellent Employees" and other small business tips, visit www.aflacsb.com.

About Aflac

For more than 50 years, Aflac products have given policyholders the opportunity to direct cash where it is needed most when a life-interrupting medical event causes financial challenges. Aflac is the number one provider of guaranteed-renewable insurance in the United States and the number one insurance company in terms of individual insurance policies in force in Japan. Aflac's insurance products provide protection to more than 40 million people worldwide. Aflac has been included in Fortune magazine's listing of America's Most Admired Companies for six consecutive years and Forbes magazine's Platinum 400 List of America's Best Big Companies for five consecutive years. In January 2006, Aflac was included in Fortune magazine's list of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America for the eighth consecutive year. Aflac was also included in Fortune magazine's list of the Top 50 Employers for Minorities in August 2005, and in September 2005, Aflac Japan was named the Life Insurance Company of the Year at the Asia Insurance Industry Awards, sponsored by the Asia Insurance Review. Aflac Incorporated is a Fortune 500 company listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AFL. To find out more about Aflac, visit aflac.com.

About the Survey

On behalf of Aflac, StrategyOne, an applied research consulting firm, conducted a national online survey among 501 small business owners/managers to better understand their perceptions of and experiences with health benefits. The survey, which has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.4 at the 95 percent confidence level, was conducted using the field services of Harris Interactive in May 2006.

Media Contacts:
Laura Kane
Aflac Incorporated
706.596.3493 (Phone)
706.320.2288 (Fax)
lkane@aflac.com

Analysts and Investors:
Kenneth S. Janke, Jr.
Aflac Incorporated
800.235.2267, Option 3 (Phone)
706.324.6330 (Fax)
kjanke@aflac.com