Perks At Work | A Guide for Employers

Gone are the days of job hunters only searching for the best salary. Today, employees are looking for more than just a paycheque from employers, and that includes any additional perks that might be included with their role.

Meaningful perks at work include benefits such as flexible hours and discounts that ease living costs - and these are highly valued both by current employees and future hires. Not only do these employee benefits attract and retain staff, they also build a workplace culture where people feel valued, supported, and motivated to give their very best.

Here, we’re going to cover everything you need to know about offering perks at work, including:

• What perks at work are, and why they matter
• The benefits of having employee perks 
• Great workplace perk ideas to get you started
• How easy it is to give your team perks

What are perks at work?

Perks at work are the added extras you offer employees alongside their salary. These can be simple gestures like:

• Free office snacks
• A good quality coffee machine
• Free lunches on Fridays

However, here are some workplace extras that are more impactful whilst still being easy to use or incorporate:

• Gift cards and vouchers
• Flexible, hybrid, or remote working options
• Continuous recognition programs

While perks like staff drinks are fun, the ones that truly have a positive impact are those that support employee wellbeing. That includes making their lives a bit easier and more enjoyable, whether with employee discounts, wellness tools, or opportunities for personal development.

Ready to discover awesome perks at work that are simple, cost-effective, and will be loved by your team? We’re here to help you make it happen.

Why perks at work matter

Perks at work matter because they make a difference in how employees feel about their jobs and their place within the business. 

Thinking about offering perks to your employees? We’ve listed out the most important benefits that those added extras can bring to your team.

Benefits to employees

Work perks aren't just about giving your team extras for the sake of it. They should have real, tangible benefits that improve employee experiences and wellbeing.

Companies like Google, who are leaders in the workplace benefits revolution, continuously invest in employee perks and benefits. This has resulted in them repeatedly being one of the most highly rated employers due to the packages they offer. It goes to show that making workers happy really pays off!

Improved employee wellbeing 

Everyone has their own stresses in and out of the workplace. Perks like wellness programs or mental health support can help to reduce stress and promote a healthier, more balanced lifestyle. Flexible working options also help employees manage their personal and professional lives, which improves happiness and productivity. In fact, 80% of employees claim flexible working has had a positive impact on their quality of life.

Financial support and savings

Many people are feeling the pinch of the cost of living crisis. Perks at work like discounts that help with cutting everyday costs (such as grocery shopping) can be a huge help to employees, as they reduce financial strain and make staff feel more financially secure.

Increased job satisfaction 

When workers feel appreciated and rewarded through workplace perks, it shows in their performance. For example, companies with consistent recognition programs see a 31% turnover reduction - and that’s not to mention how happy employees tend to be more motivated with higher productivity. Overall, companies that show recognition through perks reap the benefits. It’s as simple as that!

Improved employee experience

Employee experience is the total of all interactions an employee has with a company, from applying for a job all the way through to working with you. Perks are a great and simple way to improve overall employee experience, as they show that you genuinely care about them - in and outside of the office.

Work-life balance

We touched upon this earlier, but it can’t be stressed enough; flexibility and work-life balance are hugely important to staff, and are among the most valued perks today. Flexibility that gives workers control over their schedules - whether with working from home or flexible hours - is truly appreciated by employees and actually often helps them balance their workloads more efficiently. A win for everyone!

Benefits of perks at work for employers

A point we can’t reiterate enough is this - perks at work don't just benefit employees. Offering perks and benefits to workteams also offers lots of advantages to business and employers too. This includes the following…

Boost employee engagement

Perks are widely reported to boost employee engagement, morale, and motivation. Offering meaningful perks and employee benefits shows that you understand your employees’ needs and care enough to support them. Research shows that when employees are happy, they're 12% more productive and more likely to stick around long-term.

Attract and retain top talent

For small businesses, it can be tough to compete with larger companies that have deeper pockets and bigger benefit packages… but with 57% of people taking perks into consideration alongside pay, it's not something any business can afford to ignore either. Workplace perks like Extras Discounts or Cashback Cards are no-cost for businesses, and they help to level the playing field for attracting new staff.

Create an attractive workplace culture

Perks at work are key in creating a supportive, positive company culture. They create a sense of community and encourage people to develop strong relationships with other team members - and when employees develop connections in their workplaces like this, they’re more likely to stay there for longer. This is as much of a benefit for employers as employees.

Ready to see the benefit of workplace perks in your business? Click here to join BHN Extras for free or contact us to speak with one of our benefits experts.

6 Great and affordable perks at work ideas

There are literally thousands of workplace perks you could implement. The main thing to remember is that staff appreciate benefits that are easy to use without complicated admin, and that support their wellbeing - both personal and financial.

Here are 6 great ideas for perks at work that will make an impact and can be quickly, affordably implemented.

1. Discounted shopping cards

Discounted shopping cards, like Extras Discounts, offer exclusive savings of up to 15% on the cost of physical and digital gift cards from big name retailers and trusted brands. Whether it’s saving on their weekly shop or getting a deal on their next family day out, these discounted shopping cards help employees do more with their pay.

The best bit about this perk? It’s included free when your business signs up to BHN Extras - which is also free to join!

2. bYond cashback card

The bYond Cashback Card is another fantastic work perk you can offer through BHN Extras. It’s a prepaid card that gives your employees up to 15% cashback on their purchases at over 85 high street retailers. It’s like getting a little bit of money back every time they shop, which can deliver real savings quickly!

It’s a simple way to help them make their money go further - something everyone can appreciate in today’s economic climate.

3. Flexible working hours

We’ve mentioned this too many times to not recommend it. Offering employees the flexibility to work from home or adjust their working hours gives them better control over their work-life balance. This can reduce stress, improve job satisfaction, and boost productivity while showing trust and support for your employees at no extra cost to your business.

4. Wellness tools

Looking after your team’s mental and physical health is key to keeping them engaged and productive. One great way to do this is through syd™, an AI-powered wellbeing app available with BHN Extras. syd™ offers personalised, science-backed recommendations to help employees with everything from managing stress to improving their physical health.

By providing access to syd™, you’re showing your team that you genuinely care about their wellbeing. It’s an easy way to support their health both at work and in their personal lives, and it can have a big impact on overall happiness and motivation.

5. Personal development opportunities

Investing in your team’s growth is a powerful way to show you’re committed to their long-term success, and offering personal development opportunities helps your employees build their skills and advance their careers. Examples of personal development opportunities are:

• Access to online courses
• Workshops to learn new skills
• Industry certifications

This not only benefits your team but also contributes to the overall growth of your business.

6. Employee reward scheme 

Everyone loves to feel appreciated, and an employee rewards scheme is an excellent perk at work that celebrates employee achievements and efforts. It doesn’t have to be expensive either. Simple gestures that boost morale and motivation include:

• "Employee of the Month" awards
• Shout-outs in team meetings
• Small rewards for hitting targets

Perks at work make a difference

Ultimately, offering the right perks is about more than box-ticking. It’s about showing your team that you value them and are invested in their happiness - a gesture they’re likely to return with higher motivation, improved morale, increased productivity, and by staying with your company for longer.

Ready to supercharge your perks and become an employer people would love to work for? Call us on +442074198294 or click here to speak to one of our benefits experts about our free benefits platform and perks as unique as your team.