Ten cost-effective tips for a competitive benefits package

People are motivated in many different ways, with career advancement and a better work/life balance often topping the list when the reasons for changing jobs or sticking with an employer are weighed up. If the basic salary is at market rate, there are many cost-effective perks and incentives that can be provided to attract and retain talent motivated by more than the cash value of a salary package.

There is never a ‘one size fits all’ solution that will appeal to top performers and engage existing staff, but we’ve compiled ten suggestions that could complement the basic salary for a competitive benefits package.

Here are our top ten: 

1. Flexible working

This can include flexi-time around a set of core hours, working from home and compressed hours. Especially for those motivated by a greater work/life balance, this can benefit performance by improved motivation and productivity.

2. Additional leave

The ability to increase the annual leave entitlement beyond the standard allowance is often a sought-after perk. This can be facilitated by allowing employees to purchase extra days, or accrue extra holidays through long service.

3. Learning and development

Continual improvement is essential to career advancement, and one of the most important ways to attract and retain high performers. Facilitating learning and development can include; developing a mentoring programme, regular internal appraisals and access to external training courses. In some cases, educational sabbaticals and loans could also be appropriate.

4. Transport

For employees relying on public transport to reach the workplace, the offer of a loan for the price of an annual train ticket can help reduce their costs. When a vehicle is included in the package, the flexibility to take this as the cash alternative is often appreciated.

5. Workplace perks

Motivation and productivity can be improved by small gestures that indicate that employees are appreciated. A favourite is giving each employee their birthday off, or scheduling downtime and a chance to socialise in the office late on a Friday afternoon. Even allowing people to come to work a little later on a Friday can work; we all love an extra 30 minutes to lie-in.

6. Charitable initiatives

To appeal to employees’ altruistic side, you could consider allowing at least one paid day off a year to dedicate to charity work. There are also several payroll giving schemes available, which allow individuals to give directly from their pre-tax salary to their chosen charity. In some cases, organisations match employee contributions.

7. Childcare

With onsite childcare facilities a fantastic perk for working parents, unfortunately it’s unrealistic for the majority of Irish employers. An alternative is to offer a childcare voucher scheme which could ensure that employees realise substantial tax savings on childcare costs.

8. Extension of medical insurance

Access to private healthcare for the individual often forms the cornerstone of a standard benefits package. If offering full family cover is a cost burden, it’s possible to allow the employee the option to extend their membership to their family at your business rate.  The cost of this can be deducted in instalments from their net salary.

9. Stakeholder pension

If a contributory pension scheme isn’t available to staff, you could facilitate group-wide access and complementary financial advice to a stakeholder pension scheme. The nature of the pension means that employer contributions are not required, but would allow employees without a private pension plan the opportunity to initiate a savings plan. 

10. Flexible benefits

Perhaps the most attractive option for employees is to be able to pick and choose from a set range of benefits, including the suggestions above, to suit their personal circumstances. Many flexible benefits are run using salary sacrifice arrangements, so if the employee doesn’t need any of the benefits on offer, they keep the cash equivalent.

Get a feel at interview or appraisal time for what motivates the individual to ensure that they’re aware of the employee benefit(s) available that may be of interest to them.

What’s next?

Want more great management advice? Check out our huge collection of helpful insights to learn more about your business. 

If you need to speak to someone about your recruitment needs contact us here at Michael Page Ireland.