Employee Benefits are non-wage compensation given to employees on top of their average salaries. These benefits are designed to improve the wellbeing of employees while also benefiting employers as they improve employee job satisfaction, promote productivity and enhance work quality. There are a variety of benefits, some of which are valued more depending on the employee. Employee benefits vary depending on company size, needs, and country. In the United States of America, each state has its own rules and requirements regarding required employee benefits.
Employee benefits extend beyond the salary or wage of employees. These benefits are crucial for employees as each individual will have varying needs by their employer. Employers who offer a range of benefits may have an advantage over additional benefits, which could be a deciding factor when a potential employee is considering multiple offers. Having valued benefits creates loyal employees, who tend to stay with their current employer longer when provided with better benefits.
Employee benefits help build a diverse workforce by supporting women’s reproductive health by providing paid time off during their pregnancy and sufficient maternal leave. This will attract more diversity by allowing working moms to feel better supported. There is a new law in the US where employers, regardless of the size of the company, must match the social security and Medicare tax contributions of their employees. Employee benefits are crucial as they help mitigate economic difficulties that U.S. workers face from experiencing loss of work or disability. As a society, we recognize the importance of having these benefits, as in the United States, many workers are not provided any type of retirement benefits, which results in a lack of pension funds and no economic safety net.
Companies with desirable benefits attract talented employees and improve engagement. Here are some statistics that should encourage employers and businesses to provide valued employee benefits:
Health Benefits
Benefits that cover all aspects of a healthy life, including physical and mental. Physical health benefits include covering partial medical, dental, and other health-related expenses. They can also include building a gym within the building or providing gym memberships/discounts. Mental health benefits include providing employees access to therapy and mental health resources and creating wellness programs to promote mindfulness.
Financial Benefits
Benefits that provide employees with financial protection and security. Other economic benefits may include a performance-based bonus or a bonus at the end of the year. Providing options for retirement savings is another benefit that allows the employee to have better financial stability after retirement.
Time off and leave benefits
This includes vacation days and holidays. Other leave benefits include parental leave for new parents and adoption leave.
Work-life balance benefits
Resources and flexible options like remote work and flexible hours. Childcare benefits relieve working parents from the stress and financial burden of daycare expenses. Some childcare benefits include an on-site daycare or subsidizing the cost of daycare, preschool, or an after-school program.
The most sought out employee benefits are:
Benefits like health insurance will always remain a top priority for many employees however, here is a list of some benefits we are seeing a rise in popularity:
Adoption Assistance: Family isn’t always blood, and companies are starting to support adoptive parents in their adoption journey. Some employers offer adoptive parents the same maternity/paternity benefits they provide to childbearing parents, such as paid maternity/paternity leave.
Mental Health Coverage: Employers should prioritize their employees' health, including their physical and mental health. Over the years, the importance of caring for our mental health has been emphasized. Mental health coverage includes covering the treatment for certain mental health illnesses, which may consist of medication or seeing a therapist. Some companies hire a therapist in their office building so that their employees have access to help. Another benefit employers offer are ‘Mental Health days’ because they recognize that sometimes their employees just need a moment to refresh and recharge.
Pet Insurance: Furry babies are just as important as human babies for some employees. Companies may offer to cover part of veterinary bills or pet insurance for their employees.
Flexibility: After the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic, many employees realized how much flexibility remote work provided them and employers realized how they could save on expenses if they have their employees working remotely when possible. Remote work is a benefit rising in popularity as having the option to work at home when needed is greatly appreciated.
Rewards for Being Environmentally Conscious: Many employers and employees care about reducing their environmental impact, so employees are encouraged to carpool or use public transportation. As an incentive to do so, some companies may subsidize the cost of gasoline or provide their employees with transit passes. These benefits attract and appeal more towards environmentally conscious employees and job applicants.
Customization
Companies have started offering flexible benefits, where the employee may choose the benefits that would work best for them and meet their individual needs.
Legislation
Employee benefits vary by country due to different laws and requirements. Employers should consult an attorney or HR affiliate to ensure they are following the applicable laws, and employees should know which benefits they are entitled to.