It’s no secret that happy employees tend to be more productive than those who are unhappy. However, many companies make the mistake of pushing their teams too hard and setting expectations too high. Even worse, they often fail to reward workers for the efforts they expend. This can result in low morale, plummeting productivity, and a high employee turnover rate.
If you fear your company is heading in this undesirable direction, it’s not too late to make some changes. Adding employee rewards programs and incentives can turn things around and make your company a more desirable place to work. Here are some excellent employee perks that can boost workplace morale and productivity.
Travel Incentives
The desire to travel is almost universal. People love getting a break from their familiar surroundings and seeking out exotic destinations. But traveling isn’t necessarily an affordable pastime for everyone. You can make it easier for your team members to get out and see the world by offering various travel incentives.
Corporate Discount Program
If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to help your staff get out more, consider offering a corporate discount program. This type of program can help you keep your existing team members happy while also making it easier to recruit new talent. Look for a program that offers impressive traveling discounts to popular destinations like Disneyland, Universal Studios, and Six Flags. The best corporate discount programs also offer reduced rates on car rentals, flights, and hotels.
Paid Company Vacations
Some business owners offer their employees one or more paid company vacations each year. Alternatively, you could tie a paid vacation to the achievement of a particular corporate goal. For example, if your team reaches their annual sales goal, you could reward them with a paid vacation to Bali. Just make sure you set achievable goals your team can realistically reach so they don’t get discouraged and give up.
Generous PTO
If you’re still offering measly amounts of paid time off, you might lose some of your best employees to more generous companies. Just 10 days of PTO doesn’t cut it anymore. A growing number of employers are choosing to offer substantial PTO hours to keep workers happy. They want employees to have plenty of time for vacations, personal days, or sick days without diminishing their paychecks. Workers who have plenty of paid time off tend to experience less frequent burnout and increased productivity.
Healthy Living Resources and Support
It’s important to help your employees stay healthy if you want them to be happy and productive. Unhealthy employees are more likely to perform poorly and take a lot of sick days. Many business owners find that it’s well worth the expense to provide resources and incentives to keep their staff healthy and vibrant. Here are some ways you can support your employees’ healthy lifestyles.
Healthy Vending Machine Options and Breakroom Snacks
Take a look at your breakroom and the types of snacks you offer. If you see lots of cookies, donuts, sodas, and other sugary options, it’s time to make a change. You can still offer a few unhealthy indulgences if you’d like, but make sure you have plenty of nutritious options as well. Ideas include low-sugar protein bars, nuts, fruit, and yogurt. You could also bring a few healthy vending machines onto the premises to encourage better eating habits.
Gym Membership Reimbursement
Regular physical exercise is essential for optimal physical and mental health. It may also help boost energy levels and productivity. Some companies have the space and resources to offer on-site gyms for their employees. If you don’t have this type of dedicated space or budget, consider reimbursing gym memberships instead. This will give staff members the freedom to choose their gym of choice and get in better shape.
Standing or Convertible Desks
Standing desks are all the rage these days. They help encourage good posture and may help employees burn more calories throughout the day. Some standing desks even come with treadmill attachments to allow for slow walking while completing daily tasks. There are also convertible desks that make it possible to alternate between sitting and standing. Consider investing in these types of desks if you have enough employee interest.
Family Support Programs
Family is the most important thing in most people’s lives. As an employer, you can boost employee morale by offering family support programs. Here are some popular options:
Parental Leave
Offering a comprehensive parental leave program is crucial for supporting employees as they start or expand their families. Paid parental leave, flexible return-to-work options, and extended leave options can demonstrate your company’s commitment to work-life balance and employee well-being. Additionally, providing parental support resources can help new parents navigate the challenges of balancing work and family responsibilities.
Onsite Daycare
Onsite daycare can remove a significant financial burden from working parents’ shoulders. Traditional daycare costs can add up quickly, making it difficult for many families to make ends meet. With a discounted onsite daycare program, you can meet the needs of working families by providing high-quality, affordable care. Plus, knowing their kids are just steps away can relieve stress for many parents.
Quality Health Insurance
Too often, employers seek to cut costs by offering their workers bare-bones insurance policies. This can harm morale by giving employees and their families limited access to medical care. If your goal is to ensure team members are happy and well cared for, go above and beyond to provide quality health insurance access for your employees and their loved ones. It may cost you a bit more, but remember that happy employees tend to perform better.
Remember that your employees aren’t just pawns you can use to enrich your business. Ideally, they should become invaluable assets that earn your appreciation and respect. If you’re struggling to keep your team motivated and on task, consider giving them greater incentives and rewards. Glean inspiration from the suggestions above and turn your workplace into a happier and more productive place.
