7 standout perks to show your employees they matter
Published August 5, 2013 3:55 PM
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Updated August 6, 2013 11:04 AM
1 Min Read
Beyond the high-tech industry, organizations see huge potential to use perks to keep employees healthy, happy and productive. With workers feeling pressured to give 100% and be available 24/7, helping employees maintain an appropriate work-life balance and creating a work environment thats fun and engaging, but also productive, is the new challenge for todays companies.
Here are seven standout perks companies are using to strengthen their commitment to employees from Marybeth Sheppard, head of B2B marketing at Seamless.
1. Healthy incentives
According to a Principal Financial survey, 59% of wellness participants said they have more energy to be productive at work due to participation in employer-sponsored wellness programs. On-site company gyms, or reimbursements for personal gym memberships, yoga retreats or the purchase of exercise equipment are popular examples. Holistic programs, such as GEs Live Healthier program, include classes on healthy cooking, smoking cessation, stress reduction, and nutrition.
2. Work flexibility
Many companies recognize the benefit of providing flexible work schedules, allowing employees to set their own start and end times or to telecommute. Companies, such as Mattel, offer 16 hours of paid time off for school-related absences like parent-teacher conferences or field trips. CareerBuilder presents five telecommuting tips for workers and employers here.
3. Fun in the office
According to Towers Watson's 2012 Global Workforce Study, highly engaged employees are more productive, have less absenteeism and are less likely to leave their employers than disengaged employees. Rock climbing walls, slides, bocce courts, sand volleyball courts, bowling alleys, and intramural sports leagues are just some of the creative ways companies are helping their employees manage stress and stay engaged.
4. Generous time off
Another growing trend is the adoption of unlimited vacation policies. Companies, such as Netflix and IBM, tout that the practice gives employees more freedom to select their vacation days and the flexibility to give themselves more time to recharge. Additionally, it treats employees as adults who are ultimately responsible for managing their work and its results.
5. Concierge services
Helping employees enjoy their time outside the office, by assisting with the mundane tasks that eat up free time, is another area companies are assisting with. From picking up dry cleaning, to meeting the plumber, to returning library books, employee concierge services are on the rise. Sound excessive? Consider the less running around people must do in their lives, the more time they can spend at the office.
6. Education Subsidies
Investing in your employees can be as simple as giving them the chance to learn more. Some companies, such as Texas Instruments, host formal training sessions to ensure employees have the skills they need to do their best work. Tuition reimbursement for continued education and paying for conferences and workshops related to an employees area of focus are other standout perks. Further, with tuition costs on the rise, employees are looking for ways to pay for their children's college education and can save with 529 tax-advantaged savings plans.
7. Food Perks
Some companies, like Google, offer free food in the office or free meal programs to keep their employees happy, well fed, and working late hours. For others, hosting the occasional catered meeting, pizza party or sweet treat can bring a smile to everyones face, while also bringing them together to talk, collaborate and form meaningful relationships. It can also go a long way to measurably improve employee retention and happiness and show employees you appreciation their efforts and hard work.
