What Are Examples of Unique Non-Monetary Perks for Employees?
In the quest to boost employee satisfaction without breaking the bank, we've gathered insights from benefits managers and company leaders on unique non-monetary perks. From the implementation of paid volunteer days to the introduction of a mental wellness program, discover the five innovative benefits that have made a real difference in the workplace.
- Paid Volunteer Days Enhance Engagement
- Personalized Fitness Coaching Boosts Morale
- Employee Insurance Discounts Foster Loyalty
- Early Fridays Improve Work-Life Balance
- Mental Wellness Program Increases Satisfaction
Paid Volunteer Days Enhance Engagement
We introduced a Paid Volunteer Days program, where employees are given a certain number of days each year to volunteer for a cause they care about, without having to use their vacation time. This perk was designed to align with our company’s commitment to social responsibility while giving employees the freedom to support causes that matter to them personally.
Here is the impact on the satisfaction of the employees:
1. Increased Engagement: Employees appreciate the opportunity to give back to their communities without sacrificing their personal time. It’s been a great way to enhance their sense of purpose and connection to the company’s values.
2. Boosted Morale: Allowing employees to choose their volunteer activities has empowered them to pursue their passions outside of work, leading to higher overall job satisfaction and a positive impact on team morale.
3. Enhanced Company Culture: The program has strengthened our company culture by fostering a spirit of giving and community involvement. Employees often share their volunteer experiences with colleagues, creating a more supportive and connected workplace.
The Paid Volunteer Days program has become one of our most valued perks, significantly boosting employee satisfaction and engagement. It’s also helped us attract and retain talent who prioritize social responsibility, contributing to a stronger, more cohesive company culture.
Personalized Fitness Coaching Boosts Morale
As the founder of Smaller U Weightloss, a unique non-monetary perk we provide is personalized fitness coaching for all employees. This perk boosts satisfaction by helping staff develop sustainable workout habits and stay motivated to reach health goals.
Our coaches create custom programs based on individual needs and lifestyles. Employees report feeling less stressed and more confident thanks to regular exercise and accountability. The perk also builds closer relationships between employees as teams work out together.
For companies looking to improve wellness and loyalty, I recommend perks enabling work-life balance, like on-site gyms or fitness coaching. Small investments in employee health and happiness often yield big returns in productivity and job satisfaction.
Employee Insurance Discounts Foster Loyalty
As an insurance executive, a unique non-monetary perk I implemented was an employee discount on various insurance products. My team now receives 50-75% off home, auto, and pet insurance.
This perk has boosted satisfaction and retention. Employees feel supported in protecting their valuables. It also gives me insight into their coverage needs so I can improve our customer experience.
For example, I found many staff had bare-bones auto policies. I improved our offerings to include roadside assistance, rental car coverage, and accident forgiveness—all popular with my team.
Other companies could provide discounts on products/services related to their industry. The benefits to productivity, loyalty, and innovation are huge. Employees become walking product testers and brand ambassadors. With the right perk, everyone wins.
Early Fridays Improve Work-Life Balance
As the owner of Clean Air Heating & Cooling, a unique perk I implemented was allowing technicians to leave early on Fridays in the summer. This boosted morale and work-life balance.
Our techs work long hours in hot attics and crawl spaces during the busy season. Giving them time to enjoy the nice weather and rest recharged them for the following week.
Surveys showed the perk reduced stress and frustration. Technicians felt supported and able to avoid burnout. The flexibility fostered greater loyalty, as several techs have been with us for over 10 years.
For companies in demanding industries, flexible scheduling and work-life balance perks can do wonders for productivity, retention, and company culture. Employees will reward your trust and support with their best work.
Mental Wellness Program Increases Satisfaction
Van Eck Associates Corporation implemented a mental wellness benefit program back in 2022 through Spring Health. Initially, the program allowed for six free and confidential virtual therapy sessions per year. We have since added an additional six coaching sessions for a total of twelve sessions. These sessions renew each year and are free of charge for employees and their immediate family members. Since 2022, Spring Health has grown; they now have in-person facilities as an additional option. Once the sessions are used, employees can continue using Spring Health through the medical health plan, allowing for partial coverage.
Employees love the ability to try therapy free of charge in the convenience of their home. They have expressed their appreciation to Van Eck for adding this benefit to our current offerings. Van Eck continues to research these types of benefits annually to enhance the overall employee total rewards package.