It can be difficult to keep up with employee benefit trends when the needs of the UK workforce are ever-changing. Employee benefits for millennials, for example, may be vastly different to those most valued by Gen X employees.
The rise of employee health benefits which has occurred in recent years has been welcomed by employers and employees alike, but companies are now shifting their focus to a more multifaceted approach. Businesses are seeking employee benefits that align with overall employee wellness and encompass the mental, physical, emotional, financial, and social aspects of people’s lives.
Achieving this requires some out-of-the-box thinking. To help, we’ve put together a list of unique employee benefit ideas and discuss how each will make a positive difference to employees, workplace culture and business success.
Unique benefit ideas your employees actually want
Unique employee benefit ideas can be novel and fun, but they must also be purposeful and valuable. Free hot drinks and dress-down Fridays are nice, but what lasting impact do such initiatives have? Instead, businesses should be looking at unique employee benefit ideas that support employees to thrive in and out of the office. LGBTQ-inclusive employee benefits, for instance, are imperative and initiatives that prioritise mental health are crucial for reducing burnout and managing stress.
This list is by no means exhaustive but puts forward some unique employee benefit ideas that businesses can implement in 2023 to see a positive change at an individual employee and company wide level.
Remote work stipend
A remote work stipend acknowledges the increasing popularity of remote work and supports employees in creating an effective home office environment. Providing a monthly stipend helps employees cover expenses such as ergonomic furniture, technology upgrades, or high-speed internet. This benefit enhances employee satisfaction, productivity, and work-life balance, enabling them to work efficiently and comfortably from any location.
Eldercare
There are a growing number of employees in the UK caring for ageing parents or family members, which is why eldercare support can be an invaluable benefit to offer staff. This benefit can include resources, on-demand support, counselling services, and/or referral assistance to help employees navigate the challenges of caregiving. By offering eldercare support, employers demonstrate empathy and understanding, can reduce stress for employees, and support their overall wellness.
Fertility benefits
There are now many companies offering fertility benefits across the UK and it’s a positive move that is making a difference to employees of all genders, sexual orientations and backgrounds. Fertility benefits can include consultations, diagnostic testing and treatments including medicated cycles, IVF, and egg and sperm freezing. Such benefits can help significantly with the financial pressures that arise from accessing private healthcare and also contribute to a more inclusive culture as single women and LGBTQ+ employees often face additional hurdles to receiving fertility treatment than heterosexual couples.
Find out more about what fertility benefits for employees entail and how you can implement them with Apryl.
Pet care
Implementing a pet care benefit recognises the importance of pets in employees’ lives and demonstrates a supportive and inclusive workplace. Allowing employees to bring their pets to work can improve employee wellbeing, reduce stress levels, and enhance camaraderie among colleagues. Providing pet-related perks, such as pet insurance, pet walking or discounts on products can also help with employee finances (of particular importance during the rising cost of living) and give them peace of mind that they are caring for their pets in the best way possible.
Creative break areas
Creative break areas offer employees a dedicated space to unwind, recharge, and engage in creative activities. These areas can include art supplies, puzzles, games, and even comfy chairs where employees can listen to music. By providing these spaces, employees can take mental breaks, nurture their creativity, and increase their overall productivity. Creative break areas also encourage collaboration, boost morale, and contribute to a positive and innovative work culture.
Onsite services
Onsite services such as car washes, health screenings and even haircuts save employees valuable time by bringing needed services to them so that employees can focus more on their work and personal lives. Onsite services can contribute to a positive work environment, enhance work-life balance, and improve employee satisfaction and productivity.
Home buying assistance
In the UK, buying a house has become increasingly challenging for many people due to high property prices, deposit requirements, and a limited housing supply. Home buying assistance, therefore, can be a valuable benefit that supports employees in achieving their homeownership goals. This benefit may include access to professional advice, financial assistance, or deposit contribution programs. By helping employees navigate the complexities of the home buying process, employers foster financial stability, promote employee loyalty, and contribute to long-term employee wellbeing.
Sensory equipment
Sensory equipment benefits employees who may have sensory processing needs or work in environments with sensory challenges. This benefit can include noise-cancelling headphones, ergonomic keyboards, or adjustable lighting. By providing appropriate sensory equipment, employers create a more comfortable and inclusive workspace, support employees’ specific needs, and improve their focus, productivity, and overall wellbeing.
Paid bereavement leave
Paid bereavement leave recognises the importance of supporting employees during times of loss and grief. This benefit provides employees with the necessary time and space to grieve and make funeral arrangements without the added stress that comes from a loss of pay. By offering paid bereavement leave, employers show compassion, place importance on employee wellness, and promote a supportive and empathetic workplace culture.
Stock and investment programs
Stock and investment programs allow employees to own a stake in the company and participate in its financial growth. This benefit not only provides a potential financial reward but also aligns employees’ interests with the company’s success. By offering stock options, employee stock purchase plans, or retirement investment programs, employers encourage long-term commitment, motivate employees to contribute to the company’s performance and foster a sense of ownership and pride.
Tickets and passes
Providing tickets and passes to events, concerts, or attractions is a fantastic employee benefit that promotes work-life balance and encourages employees to engage in enriching experiences. It can be considered a cost-of-living support for employees as it contributes to making social excursions more affordable at a time when many are feeling the pinch of elevated prices. By offering these perks, employers demonstrate appreciation for employees’ hard work and provide opportunities for relaxation, entertainment, and personal growth.
New parent support
New parent support benefits employees who are transitioning into parenthood, providing assistance and resources during this significant life event. It can include paid parental leave, time off work for the adoption process, access to specialists such as lactation and sleep consultants, or even a basket of baby products such as nappies, wipes, muslins, and clothing. This benefit demonstrates that an organisation is a family-friendly workplace and can help attract female talent to the company.
Industry certifications
Supporting employees in obtaining industry certifications demonstrates a commitment to their professional growth and development. This benefit can include financial assistance, study materials, or dedicated time off for exam preparation. Investing in employees’ skills and knowledge can help boost employee confidence but it is also advantageous to businesses as it will expand the skill set of their workforce.
Free time fund
A free time fund can allow employees to allocate a specific amount of paid time off to pursue personal interests, hobbies, or self-care activities. Alternatively, each employee can be given a set amount per year that they can use toward recreation. They could use this money to buy books, subscribe to a streaming service or purchase sports or craft equipment, for example. This benefit encourages work-life balance, self-care, and personal growth, enabling employees to recharge and return to work rejuvenated and more engaged.
Family university scholarships
Family-friendly employee benefits and policies are particularly important as they have the power to positively impact not just employees but their loved ones too. Family university scholarships demonstrate a commitment to employees’ families and their educational aspirations. Offering financial support for employees’ children or dependents pursuing higher education not only contributes to financial wellbeing but also promotes employee loyalty while also supporting the growth and development of future generations.
Paid day off for birthdays
Cake in the office might be nice but offering employees a paid day off for their birthdays is a thoughtful employee benefit that can help foster a positive work environment. It shows appreciation for each employee as an individual and allows them to celebrate their special day in whatever way they choose. This benefit promotes work-life balance, boosts employee morale, and enhances loyalty and engagement within the organisation.
If you want to support your employees and foster an inclusive workplace by offering family-forming benefits, Apryl can help. We provide fertility benefits for companies so that their employees can plan their families and thrive in their careers, and employers can cement themselves as forward-thinkers who truly care about employee wellbeing.
