Here are the Most Popular Benefits and Perks
Employee benefits offer essential, long-term support to employees. Designed to keep employees happy and healthy, employers also use these advantages to stay competitive in the job market. Employee perks are additional, non-essential incentives to boost morale and company culture. Here’s a look at the best of both:
Best employee benefits
Health insurance: Companies want their employees to be healthy. At a minimum, health insurance options should include overall health, dental, and vision coverage.
Paid time off: The more time off you give your employees, the more focused they will be when they’re back on the clock. Paid time off includes mental health, sick, personal, and vacation days – all necessary for employee well-being and sustained performance.
Family leave: Family leave benefits attract top talent and keep them around for longer. Not only does family leave assistance help caretakers maintain work-life flexibility, it improves employee loyalty.
Retirement planning: Retirement planning and financial security promote peace of mind and employee well-being. It also provides a competitive edge for recruitment and retention.
Life insurance: Life insurance provides protection and security for employees’ families during the unlikely event of a death. This offers additional peace of mind.
Company equity: Company equity gives workers a sense of ownership. Offering company equity also is a great way to attract hungry top talent.
Family planning: Employees want the space to grow their families without judgment or question. It’s vital to offer comprehensive family planning services.
Mental health assistance: Employees who feel better boost the morale and well-being levels of others. Mental health assistance also improves productivity and reduces absenteeism.
Best company perks
Tuition reimbursement: Tuition reimbursement and student loan assistance reduce stress for employees. They also encourage continued learning while eliminating financial burdens.
Remote work and flexible schedules: Most companies offer remote work options and flexible work hours to help employees keep a healthy work-life balance.
Training and development: Don’t you want to know your employer wants to invest in your career development? This excitement promotes engagement, satisfaction, and retention. Plus, it’s a great way for businesses to grow, as well.
Employee recognition: Whether it’s awards, certificates, verbal praise, written notes, or public appreciation – the benefits of employee recognition include higher morale and motivation. People who feel appreciated want to keep up their energy, and people watching want to earn recognition, too.
Childcare assistance: Offering complimentary childcare and reimbursements for childcare fees help parents stay engaged and productive. This perk also alleviates emotional and financial stress.
Wellness programs: Wellness programs keep employees energized and focused, and they also increase the value of employee health insurance. Perks such as gym memberships, standing desks, wellness retreats, meditation programs, and massages keep your workforce healthy, saving money in the long run. Plus, wellness programs reduce absenteeism, illnesses, and even burnout.
Complimentary lunch: It’s the perfect opportunity to share a meal as a team or show employee appreciation. If your employees work in person, set aside time to go out to lunch and get to know each other. If your employees are remote, send stipends for food delivery services.
Home office budget: As remote work is becoming more prevalent, it’s helpful (and often more cost-effective) to offer the same supplies and tools that in-office employees enjoy but at home. Even a small budget helps remote employees stay productive and satisfied.
Discounts and rewards: This perk helps employers promote a specific workplace culture and lifestyle outside work. Offer rewards to support passions and offset living expenses.
Bonuses: They are a great way to show appreciation and incentivize motivation. Something extra can alleviate financial stress at home when provided alongside other comprehensive employee perks and benefits.
Bob Helbig is media partnerships director at Energage, a Philadelphia-based employee survey firm. Energage is The Washington Post’s survey partner for Top Workplaces. To nominate your company as a Top Workplace, go to https://www.washingtonpost.com/nominate.