HR Glossary

Cafeteria Plan

Cafeteria plan refers to a type of employee benefit plan in which an employer offers employees a set of different taxable and non-taxable benefits.

cafeteria plan definition

Cafeteria plan definition

Cafeteria plan refers to a type of employee benefit plan in which an employer offers employees a set of different taxable and non-taxable benefits. The employee is able to choose which benefits would fit their individual needs.

The name comes from the earliest types of these plans that allowed employees to choose between different types of benefits, just like a customer chooses among available items in a cafeteria. When cafeteria plan discriminates in favor of highly compensated employees, they need to report their cafeteria plan benefits as income.

Benefits of the cafeteria plan

Cafeteria plan includes taxable benefits like cash and stock.

The non-taxable benefits include health insurance, vacation days, dental care, vision coverage. The IRS set a number of restrictions to ensure fairness and limit the number of changes an employee can make to the plan.

See TalentLyft in action

Applicant Tracking, Recruitment Marketing, Sourcing and Talent CRM software are powerful alone, but unstoppable when used together!


Related content

  • Affirmative action is an HR policy which ensures equal employment opportunities and focuses on groups and minorities who tend to suffer from job discrimination.Affirmative action definitionAffirmative...

  • Blended workforce consists of a variety of employees on different types of contracts such as full-time staff, part-time employees, temporary employees, independent contractors and freelancers.Blended workforce...

  • A career fair (also known as a job fair or career expo) is a recruiting event in which employers and recruiters meet with potential employees and...

  • Disability is defined as the inability to perform all or part of one’s occupational duties because of an accident or illness. Disability definitionDisability is defined as the...

Explore more topics

  • Company Culture

    Finding the perfect fit for your organization goes beyond just skills and qualifications. It's about discovering candidates who align with your company's values, mission, and vision. Explore our insightful articles and expert tips to understand the significance of a well-defined company culture in attracting top talent, learn how to assess and define your organization's unique cultural attributes, and discover strategies to infuse your hiring process with culture-fit considerations.

  • SMBs HR

    Unlock effective HR strategies tailored for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Learn how to manage recruitment, employee engagement, compliance, and talent development on a budget. Discover tools and best practices to streamline your HR processes and build a strong, thriving workforce in your growing business.

  • Employee Referrals

    Boost your hiring success with employee referrals. Leverage the power of your existing workforce to recommend top talent, reducing time-to-hire and improving candidate quality. Learn how to create an effective employee referral program that incentivizes employees, enhances engagement, and strengthens your recruitment pipeline.

  • Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI)

    Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) have become key focuses in building a thriving workplace culture—and for good reason. In our DEI Hub, we provide strategies, insights, and best practices to help HR professionals, business leaders, and change-makers champion a more inclusive and equitable workforce. Join us in fostering diversity and empowering employees by exploring a wide range of DEI topics, from inclusive hiring practices to creating a workplace where all voices are heard and valued.

  • Culture Fit

    Ensure culture fit in your hiring process with strategies that align candidates’ values and behaviors with your company’s culture. Learn how to assess cultural compatibility during interviews, foster a positive workplace environment, and build a team that not only excels in skills but thrives within your organization's unique culture.

  • Sourcing Candidates

    Master the art of sourcing candidates with strategies that help you find and attract top talent. Learn how to leverage social media, job boards, networking, and recruitment tools to expand your talent pool. Improve your sourcing techniques to identify qualified candidates faster and build a strong, diverse pipeline for your hiring needs.

Simple and affordable recruitment software