Which of the following is a potential consequence of rising health care costs for employers?

Rising health care costs for employers can lead to decreased employee satisfaction as it directly affects the compensation package that employees receive. When employers face higher health care expenses, they may respond by reducing other benefits, cutting wages, or increasing employees’ share of health insurance premiums. This can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction among employees, who may feel undervalued or financially burdened. Furthermore, if employees perceive that their health care needs are not being adequately met, this can contribute to lower morale and a sense of insecurity about their overall wellbeing.

In contrast, the other options involve different dynamics. Increased employee training may occur as companies seek to enhance skills in response to various operational needs rather than as a direct consequence of health care costs. Declining productivity levels could come from various factors, including employee dissatisfaction, but is not a direct and immediate consequence like declining satisfaction is. Lastly, higher state taxes are often influenced by broader economic factors and governmental policy rather than being a direct result of a company’s health care costs.