Employee benefits can help build a healthy, productive team
[Jan 29, 2022: Joshua Shavit, The Brighter Side of News]
Younger people entering the workforce have come to expect work environments that coincide with their mission of leading a healthy all-around lifestyle. (CREDIT: Pexels)
These days, it’s more critical than ever to ensure your company is doing what it can to attract and retain top talent. Younger people entering the workforce have come to expect work environments that coincide with their mission of leading a healthy all-around lifestyle.
Along with offering employee benefits required by federal law (e.g., social security, overtime pay, workers’ compensation, etc.), you should also be keeping up with industry standards (e.g., health insurance, family and medical leave, paid time off, etc.). But if you really want to keep your team happy and productive, you will need to consider newer, more innovative perks to provide your employees.
Wellness Programs
The typical employee spends more time at work than they do at home or anywhere else. More companies have been factoring in this as they put together recruitment strategies. By investing in the well-being of your team members, you can create a healthy work environment that people want to stay in. Many businesses offer access to nutritionists, nutrition videos, mental health professionals, fitness facilities, and much more. For instance, perhaps you could team up with a nutritionist to keep your employees healthy or find a local therapist who is willing to meet with anyone who is struggling with a mental health condition.
Another practical way to encourage wellness is to offer affordable, nutritious food in your cafeteria. You could also partner with a gym in the area that will provide discounted memberships. And if you have the resources, consider creating a gym, yoga studio, and/or walking track on campus!
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If you want to go the extra mile, consider providing your employees with fitness trackers or smartwatches. Along with helping them stay productive throughout the workday, wearables can help your team members track their fitness progress and stay safe and healthy while exercising. And of course, there is no shortage of watch bands, screen protectors, and other accessories your employees can add to make their devices unique.
Paying for School
Nearly $1.6 trillion of student loan debt exists in the United States. The chances that some of your employees owe a portion of that money are pretty good. Student loan debt keeps some individuals from pursuing a college education; depending on the degree it could take years or even decades to pay off the debt, even with a decent paying job. Some companies are tackling this problem head-on by offering to reimburse their employees for tuition or by implementing repayment programs.
If your team members are less financially burdened, they will be more likely to stick with your company. Moreover, they may be encouraged to pursue additional education, which could expand their skill set and help your business in the long run. Research and offer information about online programs so they can plan their studies to match their work and personal schedules, which can help limit overwhelm.
Unlimited Vacation Days
One of the hottest trends in employee benefits these days is unlimited paid time off (PTO). In short, unlimited PTO refers to a policy that eliminates the predetermined number of vacation days for an employee. As long as the manager approves, a team member can use as many days as they need, whether it’s for vacation, an illness, personal time, a mental health issue, or any other reason.
Work-from-Home Options
Telecommuting and remote work have been a rising trend for many years. But since the pandemic hit, these options have become mainstream. Employees nowadays expect more flexible work hours than they did in the past. And since the technology is available for making this a realistic option for companies of all sizes, you may want to modify your work policy by allowing your team members to work from home (at least part-time). Studies have shown that remote workers are more likely to be productive and happier in the long run.
If you want to keep up with the ever-evolving business landscape, you must attract the most qualified candidates you can find and give them reasons to stay. Your company cannot simply maintain the status quo in terms of employee benefits. Consider the ideas above and keep researching other perks that you could offer your current and prospective team members. At the end of the day, you want to be a business that people want to work for!
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