Summary: Discover how offering simple and cost-effective perks, like on-site food options, sponsored events, and special treats, can help your company attract and retain top talent without breaking the bank. Learn practical tips to enhance employee satisfaction and productivity, fostering a positive workplace culture that stands out from the competition.
Many companies have found that attracting and retaining talent is more than having a competitive salary offer. Offering job benefits and perks to employees above and beyond their monetary compensation can make your company stand out from a great candidate's other offers without costing you a fortune. They can make your workplace a better place for your existing talent, which helps you retain more of your most valuable resource – your employees. And as the saying goes, one way to win someone's heart is through their stomach.
Ways to Make Your Company Stand Out from a Great Candidate's Other Offers, Without Spending a Fortune!
1. On-premise kitchen or available food options
Many people are trying to follow special diets or eat more nutritiously. However, eating nutritious meals cooked from scratch during the workday is frequently impossible for many people, whether it's time, money, or ability. Depending on the number of employees working at your location, consider having an onsite cafeteria service. Options to make it feasible for your business's needs and resources can include:
- offering only some or all meals
- having meals available every day or once or more each week
- priced at no cost, reduced price, or market cost
- cooked fresh or available to reheat on demand
- at all hours or just during certain times
Consider making available help-yourself snacks or meals like cereal, breakfast burritos, or a continental breakfast bar; fruit bowl or veggie platters; a salad, sandwich, or sushi bar; or an espresso machine or juice bar.
In addition to being convenient and delicious for your employees, making an effort to improve your employees' health and welfare by providing your employees with healthy onsite options benefits your business in many ways:
- employees eating together can foster camaraderie and improve staff morale
- employees can be more productive when they eat nutritious food
- less time lost for employees leaving to acquire off-premises meals
- improved general employee health can reduce sick time and absenteeism.
2. Sponsored fun events
Regular lunches or events, especially with clients, can be both a perk and a networking opportunity. Hosting regular catered events at your facility or meals off-site can be a cost-effective way to strengthen your client and employee relations.
Remember to capture the moment! Snapshots taken at these informal events are great for social media and inclusion on your website to showcase your company culture.
3. Special treats
There's a time and a place for special treats, too. A tradition of something celebratory can be fun and morale-boosting. Some suggestions are:
- Monthly birthday celebrations for all employees born that month feel festive and cut down on both the endless stream of goodies in the break room and the social conflicts that can surround individual office celebrations.
In one office, there was a talented baker among the employees who delighted in crafting gourmet cupcakes as a hobby. Recognizing her skills, the company enlisted her to whip up a fresh batch of delectable treats each month, which were then shared among the staff on a rotating basis. With a meticulously curated list to ensure fairness, the "cupcake fairy" made her rounds, spreading joy and sweetness to those celebrating birthdays that month. It was a delightful tradition that never failed to spark celebration and gratitude among the employees.
- Hosting Wednesday doughnuts & coffee, a weekly pizza lunch, or Friday happy hour snacks can be a cost-effective way to treat employees and foster morale.
One office embraced the spirit of Friday with a TGIF gathering in the break room, featuring beer hosted by a dedicated subgroup or team within the office. Themes varied from "Belgian brews, courtesy of the insurance services group," to elaborate costumed festivities celebrating holidays and special occasions.
Many companies report that these relatively simple and cheap perks have an incredibly high return on investment (ROI). Happy employees are more productive, and small appreciative gestures can often contribute to successful, happy employees, improved employee retention, and increased company loyalty.
Are you hiring? StarGarden can help! Our customized workflows can help optimize every step of your hiring process. Download our complimentary eBook today for helpful tips and suggestions about crafting a great job ad, mastering the interview process, selecting the perfect candidate(s), and putting together a winning offer.
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