Working from home is something many employees desire, and allowing remote work can also be beneficial for companies. However, as you navigate this new type of working situation, you'll need to consider the remote worker benefits your company can offer. Knowing the benefits remote employees want will help you decide which ones to prioritize at your company so you can attract and keep talent. This list describes what remote workers are looking for so you can choose the right benefits for remote employees at your company.
Employee meetups and in-person social events
Something many remote workers don't like about working from home is the lack of socialization and ability to talk to others in person. You can alleviate this by scheduling employee meetups and in-person social events that bring teams together. When you set aside time for your employees to get together, it shows you support them beyond their work. These meetups can be as simple as getting coffee at a local coffee shop or trying out an escape room that builds teamwork skills in a fun way. Mix it up with work and nonwork-related events.
Access to home services and technology
Provide home services as benefits to remote workers to help them stay focused on their jobs. You could pay for yard maintenance, cooking services, or a cleaning crew. This limits distractions and ensures your employees are working in a safe and comfortable environment. Providing technology can also reduce stress for employees who may not have the equipment they need to perform their role from home. You could pay for internet service or offer access to company laptops and other tech.
Opportunities for education and learning
Employees who work at the office may have opportunities to attend conferences and meetings where they can learn about new industry trends or best practices. It's important to offer these same learning opportunities to remote workers. You should give your remote employees the option to take online classes or attend events in person.
By recognizing your remote workers, you can boost team morale and encourage your remote employees to strive for success.
Stipends for office furniture and snacks
Having a comfortable place to complete tasks makes employees more productive. Giving your remote workers a stipend for office furniture can ensure they have ergonomic furniture that provides support. This keeps them healthy so they can stay on task. If you provide snacks or drinks at the office, consider having a stipend for remote workers that allows them to purchase these small items themselves to enjoy while they work from home.
Remote employee benefits packages and wellness plans
As part of your remote worker benefits package, you need to offer health insurance. But you may also want to include a wellness plan to show your employees you care about their overall well-being. Make sure your remote employees get the same coverage as your other employees as well as the ability to take time off for appointments. In the wellness package, you might include an allowance for a gym membership, spa treatment, or sports equipment. These activities can keep employees feeling great.
Paid and unpaid time off
Separating life and work can be challenging for remote workers, so it's important that these employees can take paid and unpaid time off when they need it. Scheduling for remote workers, who prefer to work at their convenience, may require more flexibility. If you can work around a remote employee's vacation time and unpaid leave, you might find they're happier and more productive.
Recognition for accomplishments
Your remote employees work hard, and just because you don't see their productivity, doesn't mean they don't want you to show appreciation for their accomplishments. By recognizing your remote workers, you can boost team morale and encourage your remote employees to strive for success. How you recognize your employees will vary depending on the situation and the person, but here are some ideas you can use to help you recognize remote worker accomplishments:
- Email the employee, highlighting their accomplishment and how it helped the company.
- Give a shout-out on the company's chat or social media page.
- Offer your thanks in the next Zoom or in-person meeting.
- Provide a gift card or have a rewards program for prizes.
- Give a small bonus for reaching set goals.
Tools and resources for improving productivity
When your employees have the tools and resources they need, they'll be more productive and better able to meet their goals. Supplying your remote employees with the necessary software, hardware, and knowledge means they can perform their role from anywhere with the same results. Whether your bookkeepers need the latest accounting software or your engineers need faster computers, you can promote productivity within your remote teams by providing employees with tools and resources that help them get the job done.
As remote work becomes the norm, you'll need to adjust your strategy to ensure you offer remote worker benefits that attract motivated individuals to apply at your company. These are some of the top remote employee benefits companies are offering and employees are seeking, so consider how you can offer some or all of these perks to your remote team members.
More ideas for keeping your employees happy
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