UE.co’s Manager of Culture Shares Simple Perks That Make a Huge Impact
In today’s millennial workplace, corporate perks/benefits are seen as extravagant nap pods, extensive insurance coverage, or unlimited fitness classes. However, if you’re not Google, Amazon, or any of the other corporate headliners, the idea of investing in elaborate perks/benefits can seem like an unrealistic expectation.
Aside from traditional health care benefits packages and PTO, additional office perks/benefit programs go beyond the dollar value, as they can strengthen employee engagement, attract new hires, and increase productivity.
When investing in perks/benefits, it’s critical to know your audience, what drives your team and what will create more buy-in. Not all perks/benefits will be effective among all groups, but that is where creativity comes into play! Dream with me here and let’s find your new perk/benefit that is right for your environment:
- Coffee bar: You can never go wrong with a quality cup o’ Joe; coffee is both largely coveted and keeps employees motivated and engaged. A coffee bar can be tailored to your budget with a standard coffee machine or K-cup machine. Get the team involved by voting on a different coffee brand, creamer or syrups each month. Mix it up by having a cold brew option or even reach out to local coffee houses to ask for samples.
- “Unplugged lunches”: Offer a free lunch for employees with a catch, they have to leave all electronics at their desk. This “unplugged lunch” leaves room for conversations and quality employee connection without distractions.
- Office Snacks: Help your team beat the 2 pm crash by having quick bites on hand. You don’t need to have a chef on retainer, but having a fully stocked cupboard with protein-packed breakfast treats or quick grab-n-gos such as pretzels or trail mix is a simple way to make employees feel appreciated.
- Fitness: There are endless options for getting your team active, ranging from free group activities to offering a reimbursement on a gym or studio membership. YouTube is your friend to find quick workout videos, or reach out to local gyms/studios in the area for a corporate rate or free trial for your team. For those employees who are not on the fitness train, you can motivate them through daily/weekly step competitions via fitness trackers.
- Office Pets: Invite your team’s 4-legged friends to join the office! Designate days for 2–3 employees to bring their dogs into work, or if your building is not pet-friendly, organize some volunteer time at the local animal shelter or humane society.
- Weekly Newsletter: Publish an internal newsletter on a weekly/bi-weekly basis that includes company updates, BuzzFeed quizzes, employee shoutouts and even tips/blogs from employees.
It’s the little perks/benefits go a long way and can contribute to a healthy company culture and increase employee engagement. Be creative, be true to your team, and remember you don’t have to break the bank to make a positive impact on your company culture!
