Creating a positive work environment is a win-win situation. Employees today want a supportive work culture that fosters growth for the individual, as well as for the organization. Developing a positive workplace can help prevent negative consequences, such as conflict, hostility, fear of dismissal, unhappiness, and stress, and consequently help reduce organizational costs.
Work-life balance, perks and benefits, and workplace culture are top considerations for many prospective employees in today’s job market. Fortunately, there are ways to create a positive workplace with employee policies and group benefits that won’t break the bank.
Flexible Work Hours
Employees with flexible work hours tend to achieve better work-life balance. It gives them the freedom to adjust their work schedules to better fit their lives. Some people work best with an early start on the day, while others are simply not morning people. Working parents may need flexibility to deliver their children to school or daycare at specific times. Establishing flexible work hours for employees can help make them happier and more productive with greater job satisfaction at little or no cost to the company.
Paid Time Off
Time off from work with pay is a valuable benefit for employees. Paid time off may include:
- Vacation: Employees need to get away occasionally so they can come back to work refreshed. Unlimited vacation time is one of the most popular benefits among employees,
- Sick leave: When employees are ill, it is best if they stay home, take care of their health, and not spread viruses throughout the workplace.
- Parental leave: For working parents, paid parental leave can make all the difference when they have to stay home to care for a child.
Feed the Crew
Everyone needs to eat, and a free meal or snack is hard to resist. Offering free snacks and lunches can go a long way toward boosting team morale and loyalty, particularly among lower paid employees. The cost of stocking the office with fruit, nuts, energy bars, coffee, and tea, and springing for pizza once a week is negligible compared to what you will gain in happier, more productive employees.
Pet-Friendly Workplace
More people than ever own pets in the U.S. today. In the current marketplace, a pet-friendly workplace is a desirable perk. Also, studies have shown that pets can have a calming effect on people, reducing blood pressure and stress and making employees friendlier and more productive. This perk can also help employees save money on pet daycares or dog walkers.
Relaxed Dress Code
Casual Fridays have been around for decades. In today’s workplace, a relaxed dress code is more important than ever, particularly among millennials, who may not want to wear a tie or cover their tattoos or piercings. Although some types of business still require a more formal dress code, many companies are allowing more casual attire for their employees.
In addition to the above ideas for low-cost perks and benefits, you will want to provide your employees with basic group benefits such as health insurance and a retirement plan. Our experienced agent can help you design an attractive employee benefits package at the lowest possible cost.