I now have 50% fewer employees than 8 years ago. A couple of those I let go have found other employment. They are spending more on their heath costs due to higher deductibles. I always covered benefits.
They no longer get profit sharing, and I removed the 50% employer match to their 401K. Only 1 person has had a raise. They are thankful to have their jobs. They have all had increased costs in real estate tax, etc. But we live in a state that has been crushed by democrats and public sector unions. The economy has not rebounded like Florida, Texas, Indiana, Ohio, and others.