5 Workplace Perks To Retain Your Staff.

According to a survey conducted by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), almost half (46%) of UK employees rate a good salary and bonuses as the most important workplace perk. With increasing rates of inflation and an ever-increasing cost of living, UK workers are demanding improved salaries and bonuses in order to maintain their quality of life.

Though there has been an increased focus on other forms of workplace perks, such as flexible working arrangements, many employers understand that salary and bonuses remain an essential component in ensuring staff morale and productivity. This is further backed up by a study from the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC), which found that 83% of employers said it was still important for them to offer competitive remuneration packages.

In today’s competitive job market, employers must remember the importance of offering competitive remuneration packages to their staff if they want to attract and retain the best talent available. While other workplace perks such as flexible working arrangements, expanded paid leave and subsidised gym memberships can also be attractive to potential hires, they should not overshadow the importance of a good salary and bonuses.

Flexible working arrangements have become a more prominent perk since the COVID-19 pandemic, with a recent survey revealing that over half of all UK workers feel that flexible working makes them more inclined to stay at a business for longer. In addition to the economic benefits of flexible working for both employers and employees, allowing staff the opportunity to work from home or in a hybrid model has been seen to boost morale and create a better sense of wellbeing for those who are able to take advantage of the workplace perk.

The rise of hybrid and remote working models has made it easier than ever for companies to offer greater flexibility. This often comes with a host of benefits, including lower costs for employers and greater job satisfaction for employees. It also opens up possibilities for talent acquisition from anywhere in the world, allowing businesses to access top talent that may not be available locally.

Ultimately, flexible working arrangements can help keep staff engaged and motivated, leading to improved productivity. Flexible work arrangements can help reduce stress and give people the opportunity to manage their personal lives better, leading to improved mental health. It is no surprise then that companies who offer such workplace perks see much higher levels of retention than those who don’t.

It’s no surprise that good food and drink play an important role in the workplace. In fact, recent studies have shown that providing great quality workplace food and drink, through solutions like commercial coffee machines and unattended retail, can improve staff productivity and morale, as well as promote healthy eating. Commercial coffee machines and other workplace food options are now commonplace, and can be a great way to show employees how much you value their work and respect their need for quality food and beverage.

By offering good quality workplace food and drink, you can create a welcoming atmosphere for employees, which can make them feel more valued. This in turn can lead to increased staff satisfaction, loyalty, and motivation.

It also means that staff don’t need to worry about bringing their own food to work or spending their time queuing up in the local café over their lunch break. The benefits of a great quality workplace coffee machine include providing the office with fresh and flavourful drinks without having to leave the premises, whilst providing them at no (or low) cost. It can also help build relationships between colleagues and create a more social atmosphere in the office through improved collaboration in breakout areas.

Great workplace food and drink can also help to encourage healthy eating among employees. Providing snacks such as fruits, nuts, and other nutritious options can help to keep employees energised throughout the day, as well as reduce their reliance on unhealthy takeaway options. With commercial smart fridges and micro markets, organisations can cater for breakfast, lunch and even full dinners, with fresh food and heating facilities built into their food and beverage provisions.

One rapidly growing staff perk in the UK is the introduction of expansive paid leave. This category of staff benefits originated outside the UK, with countries like the US offering different types of paid leave to their employees for many years. This leave can range from high pay and long term sick leave, to duvet days and mental health days. Allowing workers to take time off for personal reasons not only increases productivity and job satisfaction, but it also shows an understanding of how important it is for people to take care of themselves.

Companies are recognising that providing extended paid leave options isn’t only beneficial for their employees, but it’s also beneficial for their business. Investing in staff wellbeing not only helps to reduce stress levels and burnout, but it can also lead to improved job performance, better morale, and a more positive work environment.

For those in the UK, this workplace perk could prove particularly useful in times of sickness, family emergencies, or simply when you need some extra time to unwind and de-stress. Ultimately, this perk can help employees feel more supported by their employers and ultimately result in a healthier and happier workforce.

Work-life balance is becoming more important to UK workers, with many looking for ways to improve their health and wellbeing outside of the office. With this in mind, employers are increasingly offering subsidised or free gym membership as one of their workplace perks. According to a recent survey, up to 75% of people in the UK are trying to lose weight or get healthier at any given point, and providing employees with access to discounted or free gym memberships can be a great way to attract and retain staff.

In addition to health benefits, subsidised gym memberships also give employees a much-needed break from their workday, as well as an opportunity to socialise and relax. Furthermore, employers may even benefit from reduced health care costs due to their employees’ improved health. All in all, subsidised gym memberships are a great way for employers to show that they value their employees’ wellbeing and help create a positive work environment.

One of the most effective ways to draw employees to your business, as well as retaining those who currently work for you, is to improve your workplace food and drink. This may mean the introduction of a commercial coffee machine for the first time, or upgrading your aging water dispensers to amazing new water coolers or taps.

Whatever your need, we can help you initiate the change that will transform your staff recruitment and retention. Why not speak to us today about how to make your workplace food and beverage truly world class, by calling us on 01865 341011 or by contacting us.

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