CNN.com has posted this great article on their website that discusses in no uncertain terms the true cost of an employee to a business.  When all of the hidden costs of an employee are taken into account, the “loaded rate” (or wage) of an employee is in true dollars anywhere from 35-40% higher than that employee’s base salary.  These hidden costs will only rise in the future as businesses strain beneath the weight of growing government programs.  It is nice to see a major media outlet interview small business owners for a change to get the real straight talk on how these new programs will directly impact their bottom line.