Soft Benefits

Soft Benefits that can make your company more employee-friendly

If you want your company to become one that can attract and retain the best talent in the industry, the key might not be in the compensation package. It could be in the soft benefits. What are some examples of soft benefits?

Flexible schedules – Rather than giving an employee a schedule, allowing them to choose their hours. Some employees love the 8-5 schedule, but others aren’t morning people. Some people want a full hour for lunch, but others would rather take a ½ hour lunch and leave a ½ hour earlier. Some parents want to flex their hours so they can take their child to the dentist. Some employees are early risers and would like to finish their day in the early afternoon. Others would like to come in to work at 10 am and stay later in the evening. Some would rather work four 10-hour days. Others would rather work fewer hours per week so they don’t have to pay for before or after care for their children. For those positions where their contribution isn’t time-sensitive, allow the employees to choose their schedule.

Negotiated group discounts – discounted tickets to movies, ball games, area attractions, car insurance, cell phone packages, credit unions – all of these can be negotiated so that employees can enjoy the discounted benefits of group contracts. Sites like Working Advantage can help you get started.

Work at home options – We now have the option of forwarding our work calls to our cell phones and working remotely. Why make an employee fight traffic to come into the office when they could work remotely and do exactly the same job? Even if they work at home only a day or two per week, the benefit to the employee is immense and the productivity without the office interruptions jumps! A true win-win.

In-Office Amenities– having on-site banking options, cafeteria and snack bar services, gym equipment, walking tracks, and tranquil park-like settings for employees to take breaks, dry-cleaning services, tax services, flu shot clinics, wellness clinics. These conveniences shave time off of their weekly chores and improve morale.

Professional Development – Employees want a way to grow inside the company. Tuition reimbursements, sponsored certifications, and paid webinars and e-learning classes allow employee to grow in their existing position and move up the ladder to other coveted positions within the company.

On-Site Daycare – Even when employees pay for these services, the time they save on their commute and having their children nearby will be appreciated. Places like The Learning Experience can help you with on-site daycare for your employees.

Even if your company chooses to adopt one or two of these soft-benefit practices, you will find that employees will be happier – and more productive.