Employees like perks. Especially new perks.
The rising cost of health care is leading to employers facing some tough choices. Company budgets have been squeezed in recent years, and employees are feeling the pressure in the form of pay cuts, heavier workloads, higher health care premiums and reduced 401(k) matches. These trends show no signs of slowing and it’s time for employers to get creative
Employers want to win back employee morale, but it may not be in the budget to avoid the benefits cuts that employers across the nation are making. Some employers are instead turning to unique benefits and perks to appeal to current and prospective employees.
Many of the following options cost the company little or nothing, but are perceived as valuable by employees:
• Voluntary benefits (including unusual options like pet insurance)
• Group-buying discounts—on items like computers, gym memberships and cell phone plans—often cost the company nothing but offer cost savings to employees
• Free tickets to theme parks or other entertainment venues
• At-work chair massages
• Online stress-relief or exercise how-to videos
• Adoption assistance
• Concierge services
• Offer free or subsidized soda, coffee and/or snacks during the workday
• Additional PTO or personal days, such as an extra bonus day or two
• Paid hours for volunteer work each year
• Flexible scheduling options
• Telecommuting options
These may not all appeal to every employee, but offering a variety of perks and benefits can help satisfy a diverse employee population.
