Perk Up Your Employees

Even in a down economy, it is critical for the productivity and success of your business as a whole to keep employees engaged and energized, rather than thinking they should be happy just to have a job. While keeping employees motivated will cost time, money, or both, there are low-cost and no-cost benefits or perks you can offer your staff. Before you begin your research, know your audience. What drives your people and what do they need? If you’re not sure, don’t hesitate to ask. Have a meeting – not a gripe session – or use SurveyMonkey’s free polling service if you think people are reluctant to speak up.

If you are looking for some ideas for unique and inexpensive perks, there are several options. One idea is to issue “instant rewards,” wherein managers have rewards on hand to distribute as they see fit. This can be small, such as an online gift card that can be used at a variety of websites, or a Starbucks card. Another option is to give employees an ongoing perk by signing up for discount programs such as Plum Benefits, which specializes in theaters, or Working Advantage, which offers discounts on theme parks, shopping, movies, and travel. You may want/allow peer recognition, as well. ClearVision Optical, of Hauppauge, NY, has a “kudos wall,” where employees can post recognitions for each other.

Consider the importance of your employees’ work/life balance. Consider offering flextime, compressed workweeks, or allow employees to work from home. The consideration here is, how many of your employees can take advantage of the benefit? If it’s only a small segment, you might want to establish guidelines for eligibility to avoid the appearance of favoritism. Employees should prequalify for this perk based on guidelines such as seniority, position, and salary.

Educate your staff on issues affecting them outside of their jobs. Lunchtime speakers are a free perk that your employees may appreciate. For example, ask your bank to provide speakers on personal finance issues, which are especially good topics in these economic times. You can also have wellness seminars, or invite a guest lecturer from a local community college. Bring in Weight Watchers at Work and hold a contest to see who can lose the most weight. It’s your own version of “The Biggest Loser.”

Volunteer activities are very popular. Whether teaming up to participate in one of many fundraising walks or bikes, working with a school to provide tutoring, or collecting school supplies for homeless children, employees come together, have fun, and feel as if they and their company are accomplishing something important, over and above the job. You might contact New York Cares as a start, or even United Way.
One great way to engage employees is to have them design their own perks. Assemble an employee resource group to brainstorm ideas for activities, rewards, or other benefits, and then present them to you. When the employees do the research and development, there’s the sense of ownership that will ensure that the benefits are successful.