Unconventional Perks to Engage and Motivate Your Workforce

Employee retention and satisfaction are very important components of any successful organisation, but unconventional perks may be what is needed to improve employee loyalty, morale, and productivity. When you look beyond the traditional benefits like health insurance or retirement plans for employee rewards, you can create an innovative culture with your teams inspired and their appreciation shown unexpectedly. Here are a few creative perks employers can use to motivate and engage their workforce:
Flexibility Beyond the Clock
While flexible working hours have already proven to be very popular, why limit it? Offering benefits such as unlimited holiday leave, remote work setups or “duvet days” may give employees much-needed restorative moments. Allowing staff to manage their own time and allowing flexibility tailored specifically to them can increase their motivation levels and produce higher quality work. And in turn this will also build trust within your organisation, leading to long-term loyalty among the staff members.
Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme
Having a salary sacrifice car scheme through companies like Pink Salary Exchange is an exclusive perk that can offer your employees significant value while furthering sustainability efforts. Through this program, employees can directly part with some of their pre-tax salary towards leasing an electric or low emission vehicle. Companies that are offering green benefits are not only aligned with environmentally conscious goals but are also appealing to employees that are looking for affordable and eco-friendly transportation options. Companies that incorporate such schemes demonstrate their dedication to innovative benefits, employee wellness and environmental responsibility, making this an attractive addition for any forward-thinking workplace.
Wellness That Goes the Extra Mile
While many companies provide gym memberships, why not extend wellness benefits further? Consider offering access to unconventional benefits like mental health sabbaticals, massage services on site and yoga and mindfulness workshops as a means of showing genuine investment in both the mental and physical wellbeing for your team.
Adventure Grants and Creative Allowances
Stimulating creativity while encouraging work-life balance can go hand-in-hand. One emerging trend “adventure grants”, also known as personal development stipends, is offering just that to employees. These perks may be used by them for taking nonwork related classes, taking an adventure vacation, or exploring passion projects such as pottery classes. Providing this benefit adds an incredible feeling of enrichment to their lives which in turn leads to greater engagement and innovative ideas from your employees.
Pet-Friendly Workspaces
Animal lovers often appreciate having their pet join them at work. Pet-friendly offices have been found to reduce stress, increase happiness and build social interactions among coworkers. Not to mention the added benefit of looking for some puppy cuddles during a stressful day. Unfortunately due to space or health limitations some businesses cannot permit this, but alternative options include vouchers for pet care services or time off due to new pet ownership (hello “pawternity leave”).
Conclusion
Unconventional perks go beyond being flashy additions, they reflect your company’s culture and priorities. When you consider these benefits centered on flexibility, well-being, creativity and community support, your business can show your employees that they are valued as individuals rather than mere workers. This not only boosts morale but positions you as progressive employers that other employers will strive to emulate.