The Only 3 Employee “Perks” That Matter
Ditch the bells and whistles. When it comes to employee satisfaction, these are the three things that actually matter.
In today’s competitive job market, many companies are looking beyond salary and benefits to stand out to top candidates. Top-tier companies like Google and Apple have revolutionized the perks that employees enjoy in order to attract and retain their elite workforce — offering employees everything from unlimited time off to free automotive maintenance. One company even offers free scuba lessons!
But what perks really matter to employees?
While your company may not have the means that Google has, you can offer the employee perks that make the most difference in their job satisfaction career growth. Here are a few suggestions:
Healthy Living
Encouraging healthy lifestyles among employees makes great business sense. Aside from salaries, employee healthcare tends to be a company’s biggest expenditure, so it’s in a company’s best interest to have healthy employees. According to the Wellness Council of America, a company sees a $24 return for every $1 invested on “Wellness” programs.
At SolidProfessor where I work, we have implemented healthy living initiatives like a weekly yoga class with 85% employee participation. After yoga, SolidProfessor employees report feeling more relaxed and energized.
We also upgraded to adjustable desks that can be used as standing desks. One SolidProfessor employee even works on a treadmill to keep active and engaged. Company perks like gym memberships, massage therapy, or ergonomic chairs and keyboards can go a long way to keeping employees happy and healthy.
Compassion and Respect
Simple concepts like treating employees with compassion and respect can so often be overlooked. Perhaps most of all, employees need to feel their employer is listening to them. Making it clear that you value your employees, their ideas, and feedback cannot be underestimated. Schedule “Feedback Meetings” where employees are free to offer suggestions to their supervisors and managers. Perhaps create a committee, composed entirely of employees, whose sole purpose is to make your company a great place to work – with the support and blessing from the powers that be.
We’ve created a “Culture Committee” here at SolidProfessor, and they have been instrumental in planning fun social events, making suggestions for improvements around the office, and serving as the “voice” for employees to feel that they are being heard. It has worked wonders within our company. The best part is, compassion is contagious! When you care about and listen to your employees, that same sentiment is reflected back to you and repeated among others — thus helping the entire company.
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