For workplace experience managers, HR professionals, or anyone focused on improving employee experience, offering the right work perks can significantly impact job satisfaction and performance. ezCater’s recent Food for Work report found that free or subsidized food is the number one benefit that employees appreciate — but there’s more to the story than that.
To truly stand out as an employer of choice, it may be helpful to incorporate several different types of work perks, creating a well-rounded offering that appeals to a diverse workforce and aligns with your company’s goals and values. Here’s a look at some of the top perks for work and how you can use them to improve employee motivation and engagement.
1. Free or subsidized food
A whopping 57% of respondents in our Food for Work report pointed to free or subsidized food as the most appreciated work perk. Providing food in the workplace does more than feed employees, it can also help drive business results by motivating attendance, improving performance, aiding in hiring and retention, and increasing overall engagement. In industries like construction or manufacturing, where focus and energy are critical, providing food can also create a safer work environment.
Our data reveals that more than half of workers feel more productive when food is provided in the workplace. By eliminating the need to travel for lunch, catered meals allow employees to enjoy mental breaks, refuel, and prepare for a productive second half of the day. In a world where 30% of workers say they rarely get away from their workstations for a meal, it’s easy to see how this perk can positively impact the work environment.
With 86% of employers stating that food encourages employees to come to the workplace and 89% of workers saying it makes them feel appreciated, the case for free or subsidized food as a primary work perk is undeniable. For more insights on how food ranks among the top five perks for work in terms of ROI, download the Food for Work report.
2. Flexible work arrangements
Flexible work arrangements hold significant value in the modern work environment, with 46% of employees naming this as their most appreciated perk. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, remote and hybrid work options have become the norm in many industries.
Flexible work arrangements have reshaped workplace culture and provide ample opportunities for better work-life balance. Flexible schedules give employees control over their time, reducing stress and increasing satisfaction.
Despite the benefits of working remotely, in-person interaction is vital for creating meaningful connections. Our data shows that offering free, catered meals is an impactful way to incentivize in-person attendance and boost productivity. So if you offer hybrid work, it may make sense to also offer complementary food as a way to lure workers into the office every so often.
3. Wellness benefits
As the focus on overall well-being grows, 20% of employees highlight wellness benefits as an essential perk in the workplace. This can include benefits like gym memberships, access to mental health apps, preventative health screenings, or workforce fitness challenges and competitions.
Providing wellness benefits helps emphasize an employer’s commitment to both the physical and mental health of its workforce. A focus on employee well-being can increase satisfaction among your current workforce and help attract qualified job seekers. In addition, it can help reduce stress, create a happier and healthier workforce, and differentiate your organization in a competitive job market.
4. Education benefits
An equal number of employees indicated an appreciation for education benefits such as tuition assistance or continuous learning stipends. Encouraging and supporting continued education fosters personal growth and can also help create a more skilled and versatile workforce.
Offering educational benefits can be an excellent way for a company to invest in its employees, displaying trust and a genuine interest in their professional development. In turn, this can improve retention rates, as employees often feel more connected and loyal to a company that invests in their future.
5. Profit sharing or stock options
Around 16% of employees appreciate profit sharing and stock options. This form of work perk creates a sense of ownership that often leads to increased engagement and employee motivation.
Employees who feel they have a stake in the company’s success are likely to put in extra effort, knowing they’ll share in the financial rewards. This alignment between employee effort and company success creates a win-win situation and enhances the overall company culture.
6. Volunteer benefits
Offering volunteer opportunities can substantially impact your company’s image while also improving workplace satisfaction for socially conscious employees. By providing opportunities to give back to the community, workplace experience managers can help create a sense of purpose, which can be a unique selling point in your overall perks package.
Not only do volunteer opportunities enhance company culture, but volunteer benefits can promote team bonding and help employees develop new skills. Organizing team volunteer events or providing volunteer time off fosters collaboration and encourages employees to work together in a non-work-related environment.
7. In-office perks
In addition to the work perks highlighted in the report, in-office perks can be an exciting addition to the workplace. This can range from daily dog walkers for employees who bring their pets to work to different types of food and beverage perks like free in-office snacks or access to an onsite barista. Standing desks and desk treadmills are other examples of perks that contribute to a vibrant, appealing office environment.
In-office perks add a personalized touch to the workplace and help demonstrate that an organization pays attention to employees’ daily needs and preferences. These types of perks can enhance the overall workplace experience and significantly contribute to employee motivation and satisfaction.
Embrace the power of work perks
In today’s competitive job market, providing the right perks for work can be a game-changer for your organization, greatly enhancing your company’s appeal to current and prospective employees. Whether it’s the simple joy of free lunch or the profound impact of profit sharing, the perks you choose to offer can define your company’s culture and success.
Want to learn more about the value and impact of these work perks? Download the Food for Work report and explore comprehensive insights that can guide your strategies for employee motivation and engagement.