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How flexible workplace benefits can support different lifestyles

Sep 19, 2025

Traditional employment benefits were often designed around the idea that everyone worked in the same way, had similar priorities, and valued the same perks. But today’s reality is very different. People have diverse lifestyles, different family situations, and unique goals, which means that any benefits you are offered will have to work really hard to succeed in pleasing everyone.

This is where flexible workplace benefits make the difference. Instead of being offered a set package that may only suit a small proportion of people, a flexible range allows you to choose the perks, discounts, and services that matter to you. As a basic comparison, if you are a parent, you might value savings on childcare or family days out, while younger professionals might prefer discounts on gym memberships or the latest tech.

A benefits platform that creates greater autonomy by putting you first is great for both you and your employer. Studies show that employees who are satisfied with their benefits package feel more valued, supported, and motivated to do their best work, which in turn greatly benefits the business bottom line.

In this blog, we’ll explore how your workplace benefits can support the different lifestyles and flexible working arrangements you may have, and how you can make the most of your BHN Extras benefits platform.

What flexible workplace benefits really mean for employees

The ongoing benefit of having a flexible benefits platform is the simplicity. Life moves at an extraordinary pace, and your needs can change month by month, let alone year on year. By having access to a range of benefits, with the flexibility to switch them on and off as and when they are relevant to you, you remain in control.

Here’s what makes flexible workplace benefits so valuable for employees:

• Choice at your fingertips

Pick and mix the perks that actually matter to you with a broad range of options that tap into the general ‘human need’ for financial, mental and physical wellbeing support.

• Support for every type of employee

Benefits that work just as well for full-time, part-time, remote, hybrid, or on-site employees.

• Always relevant

Life changes, and so do your needs. A flexible benefits platform means you can adapt your benefits whenever you want.

• Easy to access

Everything is digital, simple to log in to, and available whenever you need it.

A flexible benefits platform doesn’t just provide options, it provides freedom. It recognises that people are individuals, not a uniform group, and that everyone deserves access to employee wellbeing benefits that genuinely make a difference in their day-to-day lives.

For employees, this is empowering. You’re no longer relying on whether a pre-chosen perk happens to fit your circumstances. Instead, you can select and use benefits in a way that feels personal and useful.

Check out the benefits you could get as part of your BHN Extras offering >

Supporting your full employment lifecycle

Life isn’t static. Needs can shift from month to month and year to year. A flexible benefits package is able to support you, whatever is going on. They are designed to help you move through life. Here's an example of how an employee might make use of their benefits over their career lifecycle:

You join a company early on in your career; you're in your early twenties and you really want the latest smartphone but you can't afford a super expensive monthly contract, so you use Home and Tech Scheme to get your new device at a more affordable price. At the same time, you spend a lot of your non-working time making use of your MyGymDiscounts.

Over the following months, you want or need to buy new clothes, enjoy the odd takeaway, or get away on a holiday, so you grab a few Extras Discounts (gift cards) to supplement the cost and stretch your budget.

A couple of years later, you might move into your first independent home and need some help buying your furniture and appliances, so you use your Home and Tech Scheme benefit for the second time and head to IKEA or Currys to choose your new kit.

Further down the line, you might become a parent who needs to make savings on everyday essentials, so you get a bYond card. And when your current car breaks down just in time for the back-to-school rush, you might choose to use your Green Car Benefit to get a new one that is both affordable and more environmentally friendly.

Whizz forward a few years and you find yourself child-free again and open to different types of wellbeing and leisure activities. You decide to get a bike via Cyclescheme and start cycling to the office for a bit of extra fitness. You've continued using your bYond card and Extras Discounts throughout the years and have put all the savings you've made into a separate account for the future. You realise you have a healthy spending pot to enjoy during your impending retirement.

Matching benefits to different working patterns

One of the biggest strengths of a flexible benefits platform is that it adapts to the way you work and live. Whether you’re in the office full time, remote working, managing family responsibilities, or saving for your future, your benefits should fit seamlessly into your chosen lifestyle.

Here’s how flexible workplace benefits can support both flexible working practices and employee wellbeing.

Remote and hybrid workers

If you split your time between home and the office, or work remotely full-time, your needs might look very different from colleagues who are always on-site. You may want to:

• Save on home furnishings that enhance your everyday environment.

• Take advantage of tech offers to stay connected and productive.

• Use mindfulness apps to support a healthy work–life balance.

• Access food delivery discounts for days when you’re shorter on time.

On-site and shift workers

For employees who are physically present at a workplace, convenience and day-to-day savings often matter most. Examples include:

• Travel and fuel discounts to ease personal commuting costs.

• Grocery shopping savings to help with everyday essentials.

• Retail discounts that make your downtime more affordable and enjoyable.

• Gym memberships to balance long shifts and support overall wellness.

Parents and carers

For this group, flexibility means being able to switch between practical, family-focused support and personal lifestyle rewards depending on the week. Parents may appreciate:

• Savings on family days out for quality time at a reduced cost.

• Discounts on groceries, clothing, and household items that keep family budgets under control – especially useful if you're job sharing or working compressed hours.

• Access to affordable transport options.

• Wellbeing and self-care perks to encourage some ‘me-time’.

Young professionals and early career employees

Those at the start of their career are more likely to value benefits that boost both lifestyle and development. For example:

• Fashion and retail savings for building a work and social wardrobe.

• Fitness memberships to stay healthy and active.

• Tech discounts for devices that support both work and life.

• Leisure and entertainment discounts that make socialising affordable.

Later career employees

If you are more established in your career then it’s likely you’re now prioritising stability, wellbeing, and financial resilience. Flexible workplace benefits can provide:

• Health and wellbeing perks like gym memberships, spa days, or wellness apps.

• Financial wellbeing tools and discounts that support long-term planning.

• Travel and leisure savings for making the most of personal time.

• Everyday essentials to stretch household budgets further.

Why flexibility matters more than ever

It’s not just the particular working environment or life stage you’re in that dictates which benefits might best suit you at any given time. What’s happening in the wider world and the financial or mental wellbeing impact it has on you might easily become a contributing factor.

With rising living costs, ever-shifting political landscapes, legislative changes and environmental considerations, benefits that are relevant, personal and resilient are likely to be able to support you when you need a little something beyond your payslip.

Building resilience in uncertain times

Economic pressures affect everyone differently. Having access to discounts on essentials like food, fuel, or household goods can make a real difference to day-to-day budgets. At the same time, lifestyle perks help employees protect their wellbeing and enjoy a sense of balance, even during challenging times.

More than just a benefit: a message of value

Ultimately, employee-led flexibility sends a clear message: “We see you as an individual.” It shows that employers are invested in supporting their people in ways that make a tangible difference. For you as an employee, that recognition can be as motivating as the benefits themselves.

How to make the most of your flexible benefits platform

Having access to flexible workplace benefits is one thing. Making the most of them is another. The good news is that with BHN Extras, it’s simple to explore what’s available and start using your perks straight away.

The first step is straightforward: create or log in to your BHN Extras account. Once you’re in, take time to browse – the platform is designed to be easy to navigate, with clear categories for essentials, lifestyle, wellbeing, and more.

If you’re unsure where to start, follow our step-by-step guide to help you get set up and understand what’s on offer >

Flexible workplace benefits work best when they become part of your routine. Think of the platform as a toolkit you can dip into whenever you need a boost. BHN Extras offers savings on everyday essentials, wellbeing perks, and discounts to treat yourself and your family. New offers and categories are being updated all the time, so it’s worth checking back regularly.

Frequently asked questions about flexible workplace benefits

What are flexible workplace benefits?

Flexible workplace benefits are perks and discounts that adapt to your lifestyle. Instead of a fixed package, you can choose what’s useful to you from a wide range of schemes. Through BHN Extras’ flexible benefits platform, you can access financial, mental and physical wellbeing services and products that support you with everything from groceries and travel to wellbeing and leisure.

How do flexible benefits support different employees?

Because everyone’s lifestyle is different, flexible benefits provide choice. A parent might use family discounts, while a young professional might prioritise gym savings or fashion offers. This flexibility ensures every employee can access something relevant to their needs.

Are flexible benefits only for certain types of employees?

No. Flexible workplace benefits are designed for everyone, regardless of how you choose to work (remote vs hybrid working vs on-site), what your job entails or how much you earn. They’re inclusive and adaptable, so all employees can find value in them

Do I need to use all my benefits at once?

Not at all. A flexible benefits platform allows you to pick and use perks whenever you want. There’s no set order or pressure as the benefits are available to fit around your routine and lifestyle. Everything is digital, making it quick and easy to get started whenever you want to start using another benefit.

Can I change which benefits I use over time?

Yes. Flexible workplace benefits are designed to adapt as your life changes. You might value tech discounts today and healthcare support later. With BHN Extras, you can log in anytime and explore new offers as your priorities shift.

Why should I use my flexible benefits regularly?

Your needs change over time, and so do the offers on your platform. By logging in regularly, you’ll always find new ways to save money, support your wellbeing, and make the most of your employment benefits. We’d recommend you log in at least once per month.