Salaries are not always the best way to motivate employees. They may not be enough to motivate them at all in some cases. This can be due to several factors, including how much someone is making comparisons to others in their field, the cost of living in their area, and other financial obligations they may have.
Additionally, simply paying employees more money may not be enough to make them happy or satisfied with their work. Many other factors contribute to job satisfaction, such as feeling appreciated, having a sense of accomplishment, and working with good people. Therefore, while salaries are substantial, they should not be the only thing employers focus on when motivating their staff.
However, if there is one thing that employees love, its benefits. This is because, unlike pay, benefits aren’t related to everyday costs. Instead, various benefits set up safety nets and retirement funds for many employees. Hence, making benefits better when it comes to employee retention and satisfaction.
When starting a business, it’s important to know what are the best types of benefits to give to employees. Here are a couple of benefits that your employees will surely love.
Paid time off
Employees love paid time off because it gives them a chance to take a break from work and relax. This is especially important if they’ve been working for a while and have been under a lot of stress. Additionally, paid time off can also be used to travel and explore new places.
Flexible hours/telecommuting
Did you know that employees spend, on average, an hour of their lives to get to and back from work? Commuting is hated by those who live far, and by having flexible hours and telecommuting options, you’re giving your employees incentive to stay.
Flexible hours and telecommuting are great benefits because they allow employees to have more control over their lives. For example, if an employee needs to take care of a sick family member, they can work from home instead of taking time off work. Or, if an employee wants to work late one night, they can do that without having to worry about taking time off.
Childcare benefits
Childcare benefits are becoming more and more popular, especially with working mothers. These benefits can include things like on-site daycare, subsidies for childcare, and flexible hours.
Employee discounts
Employee discounts are a great way to save money on everyday expenses. For example, many companies offer their employees discounts on groceries, clothing, travel, and entertainment. This is a great benefit because it allows employees to save money on things they would be spending anyway.
401(k) matching
A 401(k) matching program is an excellent benefit for employees because it allows them to save for retirement while getting help from their employer. For every dollar an employee contributes to their 401(k), their employer will match it. This is a great way to help employees save for the future.
Coaching
Many employees in this hectic world require coaching, not managing. Getting an employee life coach online will always be better than getting them a good manager. This is considered to be a benefit because not many companies offer it.
Coaching is a great way to motivate employees because it provides them with the tools they need to succeed. Additionally, coaching can help employees improve their skills and grow their careers. Finally, you’re technically giving them something to carry unto their future aside for their pay.
Retirement Plans
Aside from 401(k) matching, there are other retirement plans that employers can offer their employees. These include 403(b) plans, pension plans, and annuities. These types of retirement plans are great because they allow employees to save for retirement without worrying about the stock market.
Profit-sharing
Profit-sharing is a great way to motivate employees because it gives them a direct financial incentive to do well. When a company makes money, the employees will also get a share of the profits. This is a great way to align the interests of the employees with the interests of the company.
This benefit is great for those that have taken a more supervisory role. Their responsibilities have increased, so through profit-sharing, you can offset this while also motivating them at the same time.
Health insurance
Lastly, we have classic health insurance. Almost every company is mandated to have health insurance as it’s an essential benefit for many employees because it helps them cover the unrealistic cost of medical expenses. This benefit is great for employees because it allows them to have peace of mind knowing that they will be taken care of if something happens.
These are just a couple of examples of benefits that employees love. There are many other benefits you can offer, so be sure to explore all of your options. When it comes to employee motivation, benefits are often more important than salaries. So, don’t forget to include them in your business plans!
