35 Low & No Cost Employee benefits

Last week I had a very interesting discussion with a client.  The client, from a really well run and progressive SME felt that they could not afford to compete with larger corporate businesses on benefits offered.  We really got in to it, the client felt the financial cost was prohibitive.  I will spare you the full ‘bat and ball’ exchange but my position is this – the most important and valued benefits cost very little financially and often nothing at all.

So over the last week I reviewed the details of benefits offered by a number of client businesses I have worked with this year and come up with this list of low or no-cost benefits.  These benefits are really valuable to todays workforce, one wherein childcare costs are significant, elderly care commitments are common and many professionals are working outside of traditional hours.

By the way, I am sure my list is not exhaustive but that is really not the point.  These benefits reflect the company culture and attitude of leaders.  These benefits speak to opensess, engagement, understanding, maturity and fun. 

If you offer these benefits and do not list them, you have an easy win.  If you do not offer these benefits, why not?

WORKPLACE FLEXIBILITY

1. Flexible work hours
2. Remote work or hybrid options
3. Compressed workweeks (e.g. 4-day workweek)
4. Job sharing

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

5. Mentorship programs
6. Lunch & learn sessions
7. Cross-training opportunities
8. Access to free online courses (e.g. Coursera, edX, LinkedIn free courses)
9. Internal knowledge sharing sessions

TEAM BUILDING AND CULTURE

10. Internal events (Breakfasts/Lunches
11. Casual dress days
12. Themed office days (e.g. Pride, )
13. Volunteering as team (paid time optional)

FAMILY & LIFE BENEFITS

14. Bring your pet/kid to work days
15. Support for parents (flexible hours for pickups/drop-offs)
16. Emergency time off policies
17. Group gift fund for life events (optional contributions)

RECOGNITION AND APPRECIATION

18. Public recognition (emails, meetings, internal newsletter)
19. Employee of the month programs
20. Peer-to-peer recognition programs
21. Celebrating work anniversaries and birthdays
22. Handwritten thank-you notes from management

WELLNESS AND MENTAL HEALTH

23. Walk & Talks (walking meetings)
24. Quiet rooms or break areas
25. Mental health days (informally granted)
26. Guided meditation or mindfulness sessions (Free apps or YouTube)
27. Wellness challenges (steps, water intake, etc.)

PERKS AND CONVENIENCES

28. Free coffee, tea, or snacks
29. Reserved parking spots as rewards
30. Personal errand time (e.g. 1 hour/month)
31. Library of books/magazines

COMMUNICATION & TRANSPARENCY

32. Open-door management policy
33. Transparent company updates and financials
34. Employee-led committees (DEI, fun committee; etc.)
35. Anonymous feedback channels

For more information or to discuss your hiring plans and strategy.

Justin Rush

justin@abacustalentgroup.com 028 9538 0605 See agents profile