Hello Foodie Friends,
Today’s blog post is courtesy of guest contributor, Joyce Wilson.
As an entrepreneur, you understand that your company’s success comes down to more than just your products or services. Your employees are the backbone of your business, and keeping them satisfied and motivated is crucial to your organization’s flourishing.
Providing benefits beyond standard healthcare and retirement plans is a marvelous strategy for boosting employee morale and creating a loyal team. Savor Our City explores six out-of-the-box benefits to increase happiness, engagement, and productivity among your employees:
1. Professional Development Opportunities
Investing in your employees’ professional growth and development can enhance their motivation on the job. It tends to increase employee morale if they know there’s a potential to improve and advance in their career path. Consider offering mentoring or coaching programs to your team members and organized participation in conferences, seminars, or classes to promote learning that will enhance their skills on the job.
2. College Tuition
Paying for your workers’ education can be a wise move for your company, especially if their degrees are related to your industry and job roles. As an employer, it’s an excellent way to show your staff that you value their professional development and are willing to invest in their future.
Online schools are a fantastic option for busy employees who may not have the time to attend traditional classes, and they allow for flexibility in scheduling. For instance, the University of Phoenix provides degree programs (take a look at this) that won’t distract your team members from their jobs; they’ll be able to focus on their work during the day while studying in the evening (or on weekends).
Providing a pathway to higher education can attract and retain motivated employees who see a future with your company. It could be a win-win for your team members and your business!
3. Flexible Schedules
Offering a flexible schedule can make a significant impact on employee work-life balance and morale. Allowing your workers to fulfill their jobs remotely can leave them more productive and happy.
Giving the option to work a compressed workweek is another way to promote work-life balance. The key is to trust your team’s professionalism while still establishing clear terms for performance and work expectations.
4. Health and Wellness Programs
More businesses are understanding the importance of employee wellness programs by investing in on-site fitness facilities like gyms, health classes, and mental health counseling. Most employees should focus more on their physical and emotional well-being, and your organization can give them what they need to make it happen.
Providing a company-subsidized gym membership can be a great deal for your employees. You could also implement a company-wide step competition or fitness challenge that rewards individuals for reaching specific wellness goals.
5. Creative and Social Outings
Socializing with colleagues outside of the office can significantly contribute to an employee’s well-being. Consider organizing social and creative events for your team members that align with their interests and hobbies.
Participating in fun group activities like escape rooms, geocaching, happy hours, or art classes can do wonders for team morale. Planning a food tour, a scavenger hunt, a cooking classes and “Iron Chef” or “Chopped” style cooking competitions, a mixology class or a painting party with Savor Our City can also make for an unforgettable experience that helps sustain motivation and engagement among your employees!
6. Paid Volunteer Time
Inspire your employees to give back to the community. Go to the next level and offer paid time off for volunteer work during working hours. It will create a positive workplace culture where your team feels good about working for a company that understands the importance of giving back!
Conclusion
Boosting employee morale is essential for any business, and giving unique benefits is an excellent way to do just that. It doesn’t have to be extravagant and expensive — the ideas above offer tangible and cost-effective rewards that any staff would appreciate.
Allowing for flexible scheduling and work arrangements, investing in helping wellness programs, and looking for team-building opportunities will go a long way toward keeping your team members engaged and creating a positive workplace culture. Determine what type of benefits matters most to your team, and start incorporating them!
Would you like to read more helpful content or learn about our team building activities?
Visit SavorOurCity.com today!