Companies can offer a wide array of employee perks – from free fruit to additional holiday days – some of which are more practical than others and can make a big difference to employee wellbeing.
The pandemic left a lasting mark on many businesses and changed the way we work for good. Millions of UK workers turned to remote working practices and now prefer to work from home, where they can achieve a better work-life balance, spend more time with their families and even squeeze in a gym session at lunch.
However, some miss the social and collaborative aspect of office work – being remote can get a little lonely after a while.
Hybrid working
Flexible working strategies allow employees to access the best of both worlds. They can choose to work from home, in the office or at a local café. They can find a work schedule that suits their lifestyle, with some preferring to work late at night when the kids are asleep so they can focus better.
It is an invaluable workplace perk that more companies should offer. In a recent survey by poster specialist instantprint, 45% of respondents said flexible working is the best employee perk. However, a whopping 75% of those surveyed revealed it was not a benefit available to them.
Other desired benefits
The pandemic changed many people’s lives and altered their priorities. Healthcare is now a more valued employee perk – particularly in the form of dental and optical care, and mental health counselling.
If you own a smaller company, you might not be able to afford a health insurance plan or allow workers more time off. You can support their wellbeing in other ways, though, like by offering subsidised gym memberships and free meals. These perks could save your employees a lot of money over the years and encourage them to lead a healthy lifestyle.
The least-used perks consisted of things like free dry-cleaning and welcome lunches for new starters, suggesting that these perks don’t make a big impact on your employee’s day-to-day life.
What can be done?
Aim to curate a package that your employees will benefit from for months to come. For example, a discounted gym membership could encourage your team to exercise regularly and healthily release stress. Make sure you include a variety of options so there’s something for everyone – whether it’s yoga classes, Judo or tatami BJJ sessions, or a team sports league. Overall, it’s important to prioritize employee wellbeing and offer perks that truly make a positive impact on their lives.
A strong benefits package can motivate your employees to keep investing their time and energy into your company. They need to feel valued in your team and rewarded for their hard work. Make sure your benefits scheme is tailored to each team member and their needs.