Benefits That Will Keep You and Your Employees Happy

Happy employees are more productive employees. Here’s why you should care and how to make it happen.

Monthly pizza parties might seem like the go-to, but there are other ways to keep your employees motivated – like good benefits

There are a few reasons why this should be important to you. One is that happy employees cut costs. Your retention rate will go up, saving you the time and money it takes to train new hires. Liking their job also motivates employees to work harder – upping your business’s productivity.

This mindset also means that employees are likely to leave a better impression on your customer base.

Not to mention that good financial benefits can lower your employees’ stress levels. Too much stress can lead to physical issues like headaches, muscle tension and pain, and heart problems. By keeping stress low, your employees will be healthier and take fewer sick days.

Lastly, providing good benefits will make your employees appreciate you more. It lets them know that you care and are invested in them. That feeling will inspire them to work harder for you.

Things like health insurance, 401(K), and PTO should all be a given when it comes to your employees. They should even be extended to part-time employees if it’s possible. You could slow down your turnover rate by not cheapening out on these basic benefits.

Benefits like these can limit employees’ stress levels, keeping them more focused and motivated.

So what other benefits should you be providing?

1. Provide a flexible schedule

The pandemic is over but there’s one thing it’s left behind: remote work. If possible, offer your employees a number of remote hours that they can use, like how PTO works. A couple of days a month can make a big difference in employee attitude.

More importantly, and more doable, is being empathetic to your employees’ needs. If something personal happens and they need a day or two off to address it, give that to them. In this day and age, not doing so could push them to quit. Then you’re down an employee for more than just a couple of days.

Allowing employees to take personal days would be another huge bonus.

2. Personal investment

Providing online courses and resources is a simple way to show employees you care.

Get your staff connected to online classes that can help them move forward with their career. Not only will they be happy to have some more skills under their belt, those new skills will further them at work.

You can also host open, regular discussions with your employees. Ask them about their future goals and how you can help them get there.

Many workers are also pursuing passion projects or freelance work outside of normal working hours. Show your employees you care by asking about their spare time and taking the time to listen. Asking follow-up questions at a later date will show that you really paid attention and have a genuine interest.

3. Offer consistent perks

These aren’t band-aids for an unmotivated staff, but it can make happy employees feel more appreciated.

There are different methods you can choose to fit your workplace. Some offices opt for ping pong or pool tables, others go for snack pantries. Both are great options to help workers unwind.

Still, there are ways to implement something that’s unique for your staff. Penguin Random House, the book publication, has a daily free book program for its employees. Ben and Jerry’s offers employees free pints of ice cream every day.

Whatever you choose to do, find something that’s a good fit for your staff. Respect them and the work they put in, and your employees will respect you too.