Following the intense disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, many industries have experienced labor shortages. Naturally, many business owners have responded to this by doubling down on their recruitment and hiring efforts. That’s certainly important, but don’t forget the other side of the coin: Making every reasonable effort to retain current employees.
One of the most important aspects of employee retention is ensuring that team members feel fully supported in the workplace and appreciated for their good efforts. This is what ultimately instills loyalty to the company. One way to achieve this goal of happy, supported employees is to ensure you’re offering good benefits and perks.
Unique Benefits to Drive Employee Satisfaction
As you consider benefits that can help with employee retention, don’t hesitate to think outside of the box. There are a number of creative options for your HR team to evaluate. A few examples:
Abbreviated Work Hours
This is an especially useful benefit in offices where employees tend to work overtime or need to sometimes take longer hours to finish big seasonal projects. Consider opening an hour later, closing an hour earlier, or even picking one day a week or one day a month where employees can work a half day or simply take the day off altogether.
Mental Health Benefits
As the pandemic continues, mental health remains a significant workplace concern. One way you can support employees is by ensuring that their benefits cover mental health counseling. Also think about giving employees access to a confidential hotline where they can call to talk to someone (at no cost to the employee).
Assistance with Transportation
In cities that have robust public transportation systems, employers can offer financial assistance, even providing employees with free bus or train passes. This can be an especially welcome benefit to employees who cannot afford a vehicle of their own.
Professional Development Opportunities
Another way to help employees feel fully supported is to make an investment in their long-term development. Pay for employees to master either the technical skills or the softs skills they need to excel. Online training courses, workshops, seminars, and continuing education classes should all be on the table.
Massage Days
A good massage can go a long way toward alleviating stress and can even help ease symptoms of physical pain. Consider bringing in an in-office massage therapist once or twice a year, particularly during a big project or a busy season.
Cleaning Services
Some employees may struggle to balance their workplace responsibilities with the basic demands of homeownership. Consider helping employees pay for home cleaning services, even if it’s just a one-time thing.
Great Benefits Support Employee Retention
The bottom line: Your benefits package can be an invaluable tool for boosting employee retention… and there’s never been a better time to give your offerings a creative overhaul.
With questions about designing an effective benefits package, we welcome you to contact us. Reach out to the FullHR team at any time.
