Free and Low-Cost Employee Perks

Where to find affordable benefits that employees will love

By Judy Artunian, Freelance Writer

Employees have come to expect benefits such as health insurance and 401K plans. But you don't have to offer a budget-busting benefits package to show employees that you appreciate their efforts. Many companies are turning to affordable benefit offerings that are more like gifts than traditional benefits. This new brand of employee benefit has a more personal touch. For example, many workers long for a break from their hectic workweek. Benefits like flexible work hours and restaurant gift cards show employees that you recognize their sacrifices and want to help ease their stress. Important strategies for making benefits truly beneficial:

It really is the thought that counts. When an employee receives a gift that he wouldn't typically buy for himself, he tends to put greater value on that benefit.
As a business owner you may hate to admit it, but there is one benefit that is guaranteed to motivate employees: a day off. Whether it's a Friday off every other month or the chance to work at home occasionally, granting that extra time away from work can do wonders for morale.
Give spot bonuses. These are gifts you give to individual employees to recognize an achievement that went beyond the call of duty. Present spot bonuses with some fanfare, and do it often enough so that all employees know that they have a chance of receiving one.

Consider the popular choice: gift cards

A great way to customize an employee benefit without spending a fortune is to give gift cards that are tailored to the employee's favorite pastime.
Try: GiftCertificates.com is a one-stop shop for gift cards for travel, entertainment, books, dining out, fashions and more. GiftCertificates.com also includes the option of customized paper gift certificates. Starbucks offers corporate rates to businesses that purchase Starbucks debit cards. Employees can use the debit cards (which function like gift cards) to buy beverages, food, or merchandise at any Starbucks. If you prefer to expand your employees' gift choices give, a MasterCard or Visa gift card. Employees can use them wherever those companies' credit cards are accepted.

Offer complementary air miles

Ease your employees' vacation budget by helping them reduce or eliminate the cost of air travel.
Try: Airlines such as American Airlines and Delta Airlines have programs that let companies present employees with frequent flyer miles. At AirIncentives you can purchase frequent flyer miles from several North American Airlines.

Healthy health club discounts

Many health clubs offer corporate discounts on health club memberships that you can pass along to employees.
Try: Talk to your local health clubs about their corporate programs. Among nationwide chains that offer corporate discounts are 24-Hour Fitness and Bally's Total Fitness.

Give a work-at-home break

Employees whose work can be done at home, can enjoy the option of telecommuting for a specified number of days or weeks per year. The work-at-home option has the added benefit of helping you reduce absenteeism.
Try: The International Telework Association & Council offers guidelines for setting up and implementing telecommuting programs.