In today’s competitive job market, skilled candidates are not only looking for positions with competitive wages, they are also looking for good benefit packages.

With an increasing number of people quitting their jobs and employers having difficulty filling some positions, many companies have begun offering more incentives to attract and retain employees. While the desire to work remotely or make more money are among the top motivators for leaving jobs, employee benefits are playing a great role in the present workforce retention.

For employees to be happy, they need to find a purpose behind the work that they do. In the same manner, they also need to feel that they’re well-compensated; they’re doing the job to earn a living, after all. When it comes to employee benefits, it’s not always about the money. For start-ups and young companies there are ways to motivate and reward the team that won’t blow your budget. In fact, more imaginative perks can actually set you apart from your competitors and showcase your unique culture to potential candidates.

According to HRavailable you can incentivize your employees to be more productive through simple workplace perks that won’t hurt your bottom line. Supporting their extracurricular activities and community involvement engages with them on a more personal level.

Here HRavailable is sharing a few ideas for office perks that don’t break the bank.

Flexible Schedule

Employee benefits that address greater flexibility in work shifts are always viewed as a perk for employees. Offering your employees, the ability to have a better work-life balance shows that you respect their time with and away from their families. Whether it’s working from home, or working a longer shift for a shorter one later, employees need to spend quality time with their loved ones. Employees appreciate this perk because it enables them to avoid rush hour traffic, schedule personal appointments, and take care of family responsibilities.

Company Lunch

Catering or sponsoring a weekly lunch for your employees is a great way to save them some time and a few bucks. This also allows them to take a break together and socialize, instead of going their separate ways.

Duvet days

Give employees one day a year, outside of their holidays or sick leave to stay at home without any questions. Alternatively, giving your staff a day off on their birthday is a small but effective gesture towards them.

Wellness benefits

Think of the perks you can offer that will boost team morale and wellness; free fruit in the morning, discounted gym memberships, a weekly yoga class or even an external mental health workshop. Your staff want to know that you have their wellbeing in mind.

Opportunity for professional development

Employees who want to learn a new skill are a valuable asset to the company. Cross-training and development programs help further their careers, while increasing employee engagement. Employees are more productive efficient, and engaged when they have the software, equipment, and training that enables them to excel at their jobs.

Gym Membership

Offering free gym memberships is investing in your employee’s health and better outlook at work. Moreover, you’re helping your team members to avoid huge medical expenses down the road. After all, gym subscriptions cost less than medical prescriptions. Your local fitness centre may be willing to give you a volume discount or provide your staff with reduced membership fees.

Organise events

Activities like holiday parties, awards luncheons or banquets, family picnics, and staff retreats give employees opportunities to socialize and feel more connected to their associates and the company.

Employee discounts

Get a deal with local or national business for group discount programs which can potentially yield money-saving deals for your employees on everything from family cell phone plans to pet insurance. Other possibilities include car washes, oil changes, hair salons, restaurants, and dry-cleaning services.

Commuter costs

Whether employees drive to work, carpool, or take public transportation, the cost of commuting takes a bite out of their pay check every week. There are several options for offsetting, subsidizing, or reimbursing transportation costs for employees, but whatever the savings, it sends a positive message to staff members.

Upgrade desk space

The environment we work in has a big impact on our productivity, energy and happiness. You don’t need massive resources to make the office a pleasant place to work. Use colour on the walls, put plants around the desk space and create communal areas for the team to get together and chat, away from their computers or phones.

Casual dress code

If your office requires a corporate dress code, consider allowing employees to wear casual outfits once a week. According to a study, wearing casual wear can boost productivity because employees can focus more on their tasks without being distracted by uncomfortable clothing; and this won’t cost you anything.

Employee of the month

Nothing says ‘you’re appreciated’ like a little public praise. Singling out an employee who has gone above and beyond in that month is a great way to recognise their outstanding performance and encourage their colleagues to follow suit.

A fair salary and mandatory employee benefits will make employees feel secure. But it’s the little extra perks that make them feel valued as team members. Think of these perks not only as an investment to have stronger, more confident employees. Rather, treat it also as a gesture of gratitude for people who put in their time, effort, and hard work to grow with the venture.

As per HRavailable one of the best ways to keep your team happy, is being clear and trying to help them balance their lives with your business’s needs. Focusing on maintaining a healthy balance and offering personalized perks that show that you value working with your team will result in higher engagement, happier employees, and satisfied finance teams.

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