Quality over Quantity – 6 essential employee benefits for every business 

Now more than ever businesses are faced with the challenge of figuring out how best to keep their employees motivated and loyal – as well as retaining them. So, with this in mind, here are six essential employee benefits for every business that can boost employee satisfaction, productivity and retention. 

1. Flexibility 

There has been a huge shift in employees wishing to work from home or at least have flexibility in their location choices as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. 

Asking employees where they’re happiest and most productive goes a long way towards ensuring that they feel valued in their workplace. Allow employees to take every Friday to work from home if it’s best for them. Happy employees are assets. 

2. Health and wellness benefits 

The number of ways that businesses can incorporate wellbeing benefits into the workplace is ever-increasing. When thinking about employee rewards , it’s important to remember that it’s in the best interests of your business to prioritise the health and wellbeing of employees.  

From reduced price or free gym memberships to a set number of free counselling sessions for employees, showing them that the business they are a part of cares about them can only have positive results for the employees themselves and in turn the business as a whole. 

3. Upskilling opportunities 

Allowing employees the opportunity to upskill is one of the employee benefits that’s becoming more consistent across the world. This can tie in with flexible working options. For example, once a month employees could be allowed to finish early to allow them to attend webinars or conferences to contribute to their current skills. 

Additionally, recent research shows that 92% of workers find benefits an “important contributor” to overall job satisfaction, showing just how important these sorts of opportunities are. 

4. Attendance rewards 

One way to encourage employee attendance is to create rewards for employees who go an entire year without a day off, for example. Not only does this promote attendance and motivate employees, but it also shows employees how valuable their time is to the business and can prevent absences that are avoidable.  

5. Travel and spending expenses 

The majority of businesses will require employees to travel at some point as part of their job role. When this is necessary, employers should cover the costs of travel, accommodation and general spending costs when employees are expected to travel reasonable distances.

As well as this, employees who have a longer commute time can often receive money back from employers in the form of an employee benefit. This goes miles towards ensuring employees that they’re a part of the company and an important individual. 

6. Family leave plans 

Sometimes it’s necessary for employees to be away from work for extended periods of time. In these cases, offering maternity, paternity or general extended leave  is one of the most important employee benefits that businesses can offer. 

A work-life balance is vital and offering family leave plans just solidifies this for the employee. If given the time off they need they will come back to work feeling refreshed, valued and ready to get back to it!