Are There Low Cost "Recession Perks" That Increase Employee Loyalty?
Yes. Even in times of layoffs and slow economy, you want to offer benefits to your employees that can boost morale and increase loyalty to your company. Companies need to retain their remaining workers by offering benefits that build loyalty, encourage teamwork and make employees' lives easier. How can you accomplish this without spending a lot of money? Use low cost "recession perks".
Though it may seem contradictory, in a time of unprecedented downsizing, employee retention becomes more important than ever. The employees who remain following job cuts represent the foundation on which the rebuilding process begins. Employees appreciate perks that establish a friendly climate in the workplace, as well as services that make it easier to balance their work and personal lives. Sometimes, the simplest of measures turns out to be very popular among employees.
Following is a list of some of the low-cost, onsite services that are appreciated by employees:
- onsite banking machines---there is no cost to the company and employees appreciate the convenience and time-saving aspects;
- employee-paid fitness centers --some companies provide the space for the center while the employees who use it actually pay for it. Employees are happy to pay a fee for the convenience of being able to work out at lunch or right after work;
- dry cleaning pickup and delivery services;
- barbeque grills;
- reserved parking lot spaces---employees can leave their cars in designated spots to be picked up for scheduled service and repairs, after which the car would be brought back to the same location;
- financial services referrals---this benefit can enhance awareness of and appreciation for the benefits the employer already provides to employees; and
- company-sponsored career counseling --personal and professional growth are increasingly important to employees. Employees can get help mapping out where they want their careers to go and employers can benefit from programs that promote their workers' personal and professional growth by building employee loyalty to the company.