In the startup crazed culture, we have seen all type of employee perks and office place benefits arise, from the rise of lounges to ping pong tables to stocked kitchens.  However, what do employees really value?

Thornton Law Firm works with small businesses across North Carolina aiding in the setup of small businesses and drafting the various documents necessary to help your business succeed.  Having good employee perks can be crucial in boosting the morale of your workforce.

5 employee perks that employees say matter most are:

  1. Employee Development. Employees recognize when employers take a genuine interest in their growth. Employees want to learn, grow and advance in a company and knowing that their company will invest in them to do so goes a long way in keeping them happy.
  2. Flexibility. Flexibility is a company’s way of showing that they will work with employees so that employees can achieve their best work-life balance. Whether that comes through flexible work hours or work from home, there are many ways to encourage flexibility.
  3. Wellness Programs. On-campus gym or gym memberships are the most obvious and explored option of wellness. In addition, encouraging people to take breaks for walking or providing stand-up desk options also show an employee that you care about their health. A healthy worker is a productive worker.
  4. Performance Bonuses. A performance bonus actually accomplishes two needs for employees. It should come from a goal or set of goals, which help employees recognize company targets and goals and motivate them to work toward a certain direction. Meanwhile, the actual bonus provides a sign of appreciation for the company’s hard work.
  5. Recognition. From workplace celebrations to birthday and anniversary emails, group and personal recognition will always find a way to boost morale.

Although the game rooms and glamour may look amazing, that shock value doesn’t last. After working for some time in a company, employees realize the perks that are made for their long-term benefit them more in the long run. Find out what matters most to your employees. Every workforce is different, but these perks provide a place to start.