How to Offer Benefits Your Employees Actually Want

Let's face it, the job market is constantly evolving, and employee retention and satisfaction are becoming increasingly important. One of the key factors in keeping your team happy and engaged is the benefits package you offer. The days of a standard, one-size-fits-all approach are long gone. Today's employees want customized benefits that speak directly to their individual needs and preferences. To stay ahead of the game, companies need to take a proactive approach to ensure their benefits packages are truly valued and utlized by their employees.

Key Takeaways:

1. Personalization Matters: Customize benefits to meet individual needs.
2. Budget Wisely: Prioritize without straining company resources.
3. Recruitment Tool: Attractive benefits and perks set your company apart.

Where to start?

It is important to keep in mind that a well-crafted benefits package fosters employee well-being and loyalty, making your workplace thrive. So how does an organization get to that point? Follow these steps below:

1. Conduct Annual Anonymous Surveys

Want to create a benefits package that truly speaks to your employees' needs? The first step is to ask them! Conducting annual anonymous surveys can give you a wealth of information about what your team values most. These surveys can help you uncover the benefits that are most important to your employees, as well as those that may not be as popular.

When crafting your surveys, make sure to ask open-ended questions that encourage employees to share their thoughts freely. Ask about their current benefit usage, any challenges they face with existing benefits, and their suggestions for improvements. By giving employees the opportunity to provide anonymous feedback, you create a safe space for them to speak their minds.

Once you've collected survey data, take the time to analyze it carefully. Look for patterns and trends in your employees' responses. You might find that certain benefits, like flexible work arrangements, meal allowances, wellness programs, or professional development opportunities, are highly valued. On the other hand, you may discover that other benefits, such as gym memberships or company-provided coffee, aren't as popular. This information can help you tailor your benefits package to meet the unique needs of your workforce.

2. Set a Budget and Overall Goal

After surveying your workforce, you will have a better understanding of your employees' preferences, it's time to set a budget and an overall goal for your company's benefits package. Your budget should be realistic and aligned with your financial capabilities. Keep in mind that while offering attractive benefits is essential, it should not strain your company's resources to the point of financial instability.

Your overall goal should reflect your commitment to enhancing the overall well-being of your employees. Whether it's improving work-life balance, promoting physical and mental health, or fostering professional growth, your benefits package should align with these objectives. This clarity of purpose will help guide your benefit decisions and investments.

Remember that offering competitive benefits can be a powerful recruitment and retention tool. A well-crafted benefits package can set your company apart in a competitive job market and make it more attractive to top talent.

3. Ensure Compliance with Required Benefits

Before exploring customized benefits, it's crucial to ensure that your company is meeting its legal obligations regarding mandatory benefits. These include Social Security, Unemployment Insurance, Workers' Compensation, Disability Insurance (required in California, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, and Rhode Island), and leave of absence policies.

Non-compliance with these requirements can result in legal issues and financial penalties for your company. Therefore, it's essential to stay informed about the specific requirements in your jurisdiction and make sure your company is fully compliant.

4. Differentiate Perks from Benefits

A common mistake many companies make is confusing perks with benefits. While both are aimed at enhancing the employee experience, they serve different purposes and are received differently by employees.

Benefits typically include health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and other offerings that directly impact an employee's well-being and financial security. These are fundamental and often expected by employees.

Perks, on the other hand, are additional extras that can enhance the workplace environment but may not be as critical to employees' overall satisfaction. Examples of perks include gym memberships, bring your pet to work days, or casual dress codes. While these can contribute to a positive work culture, they should not be substituted for essential benefits.

Final Steps

So, how do you create a benefits package that truly resonates with your employees? It all starts with a strategic and employee-centric approach. Begin by gathering feedback from your team through annual anonymous surveys. This will give you valuable insights into what they value most in a benefits package.

Next, set a realistic budget and establish overarching goals for your benefits package that align with your company's values and objectives. Make sure you're covering all the basics, like mandatory benefits, to avoid any legal issues. And don't forget to differentiate between perks and benefits – it's important to provide a well-rounded package that meets the diverse (and nutritional) needs of your workforce.

By following these steps, you can create a benefits package that not only attracts top talent but also fosters a loyal and satisfied workforce. And that's key to the long-term success of your organization. It's all about creating a work environment where your employees feel valued, supported, well-fed and appreciated – and a thoughtful benefits package is a big part of that.

How Sharebite Can Help Your Company

If you believe that your organization would benefit from adding subsidized meal allowances or feeding your in-office and remote teams on a recurring basis, schedule a call and we will walk you through all your options.