Get ahead of the competition with innovative employee benefits

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There are tons of perks and benefits available to employees these days, from 401(K) plans and health care to onsite cafeterias and nap rooms. But to attract the cream of the crop in today's competitive job market, enterprising and forward-thinking employers must be creative with benefits.

Here are a few creative ideas for employee benefits.

Educational Opportunities

Among the most alluring benefits is continuing education. By contributing to your staff's higher education, whether that’s going back to school for an associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree, you can show your interest in their professional development.

Once the program of their choice is complete, you can help them apply those skills to improve your business. Online courses are a great option too, and online degree programs can provide coursework that helps your staff comfortably achieve their diplomas at their own pace.

Onsite Yoga Classes

Offering yoga classes to employees not only helps them stay fit but can also increase productivity and morale. Some employers take this trend further by offering a yoga and meditation room for staff use. For employees working from home, options can include premium live video sessions for yoga and meditation.

Nap Rooms

Some businesses boast nap rooms where staff can relax for short periods. Research shows that a brief nap can improve memory and mental alertness. The benefit is twofold as the company will save on health insurance as overly tired employees are more prone to accidents and other health-related problems than well-rested ones.

Work and Life Balance Coaching Programs

A coaching program can benefit employers who want to prioritize work and life balance. A coach will work one-on-one with an employee to help them plan their schedule, determine their priorities, and communicate more effectively. Coaches can even help with stress management.

Child Care Assistance

Child care is another perk that can make a major difference in employees' lives. It decreases stress, enhances work quality, and helps employees feel fulfilled both at home and work.

The challenge is finding quality child care options that fit employees' schedules and budgets. Options include employer-sponsored daycare facilities or onsite care and subsidies to offset daycare costs.

Pet-Friendly Offices

Not only can pets ease stress, but many pet-friendly companies say they have a lower employee turnover rate. Start-ups and young companies, in particular, may want to consider this benefit for their teams. Animals in the workplace can also help with socialization, which leads to increased teamwork.

Employee Retreats

An employee retreat is an excellent way for employers to reward their employees. Examples include sending employees to a spa, beach house, or cabin for a few days of team building.

Employees will have a great time as long as the retreat doesn't interfere with deadlines and other work-related obligations.

If you have some sports fans on staff who’d like to take in a Yankees game or a contest featuring another favorite team, you can make it a fun-filled affair by renting a couple of vans or even a bus and going to the ballpark. Some online ticket sellers allow you to buy tickets in bulk and access deals to stretch your dollars.

When you combine this with a substantial benefits package, the result is a workforce that feels appreciated and recognized. It's also an opportunity to thank the staff for their hard work throughout the year and, hopefully, boost morale.

Free Food in the Office

Free food has been proven to increase employees' productivity. Not every company can afford a free-food policy, but there are some creative alternatives. For example, some companies provide their employees with discounts at local businesses, such as nearby restaurants and coffee shops.

Another way to increase productivity is by providing dinner if your team works late or providing catered breakfasts and lunches.

Attract Top Talent With the Best Benefits Package

There are many options outside of traditional benefits to keep employees happy and attract the best candidates on the market. Don’t feel restrained by the ideas listed here. You can come up with perks on your own based on what your business does, how your employees work, and more.

Whether you’re a small business on the rise or an international company breaking into new markets, get consistent, timely content at the volume and speed you need from B2B content producers rand&rand. Reach out today!