Employee benefits are essential to boosting employee performance and company loyalty. Employee benefits are usually in the area of health insurance and 401K plans. However not all businesses can immediately afford to bestow those types of benefits. Businesses which are small scaled, or those which are still in the initial stages of operation are still low in financial resources. In spite of that, they can still look for ways to grant employee incentives. If your company is on the limited side, it is important to know how and where to find affordable perks and benefits employees will really appreciate and love.

The kinds of benefits and incentives businesses can give to their employees are as varied as what their creativity and thoughtfulness can produce. Though quite different from traditional benefits employees expect to get, they sill accomplish the same goal, to show employee appreciation and to renew work motivation.

Examples of non traditional employee benefits are granting flexible working hours. This particular benefit is being given by many businesses locally. Parents with young children most especially appreciate this kind of perks. Another example would be restaurant gift cheques and coupons which let employees know that you are concerned about them.

Give work at home options for those employees who do jobs that can be done from the home. Telecommuting may be given for periods and days in a year that you will determine. These kinds of break or office break help refresh employee motivation, strength, and interest to keep doing the job. Flexibility gives people a sense of freedom and ease in handling their daily work obligations. Guidelines for telecommuting programs may be requested from The International Telework Association & Council.

Excess inventory and other unused supplies (even equipments) may be awarded to employees for free. Expensive items may be given at reduced prices. Reward programs may be set up which allow employees who meet deadlines (or accomplish projects) to receive rewards which they can personally choose.

Consider company tie ups with health clubs. Many health and wellness centers now offer corporate packages and promotions on memberships which you can pass on to your employees. Seek negotiations with health clubs near your business area. You may also contact 24-Hour Fitness and Bally’s Total Fitness regarding corporate discounts.

Free air miles, plane fares, hotel or housing accommodations, use of club time shares, and others may also be given to employees. These are commonly appreciated as they ease your employees’ vacation expenses. American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and Air Incentives can help you with regards to frequent flyer miles for company employees.
Make sure that every benefit you give wouldn’t cause any negative feelings such as bitterness, jealousy, or disappointment in others. Incentives and other bonuses should be applied fairly on everyone. If you can, distribute the same value of perks on equal achievements or job performance levels.

There are many other affordable ways you can grant employee incentives. Just remember to grant the benefit at the appropriate time and at the needed time. Maintain consistency and fairness with the benefits and perks you give out.

Tags: Employee Benefits, Employee Bonuses, Employee incentives, Employee Rewards