Let’s face it – not everyone can afford to have a slide in the office as an employee perk (and possibly not everyone would want one!). But workplace perks can be really useful to engage your employees and make them feel valued.

But how do you go about choosing the best workplace perks that will work for both you and your employees?

Research suggests that what your employees would class as a perk isn’t always what you’d think (and they don’t always have to cost you the earth either). A good place to start would be to ask your employees for a list of things that they think would make them feel valued and would help to improve their well-being. Then write your own list of what you think would achieve the same thing.

Hopefully, when you compare the two, there will be some similar answers – which will help to start the ball rolling.

You may find wild requests for games’ rooms, lavish freebies and more, but simple, relatively inexpensive perks like flexible working, a free healthcare plan and free drinks will go a long way to improving your employees morale, productivity and general attitude towards the workplace.

Keep in mind that having the coolest workplace to work in doesn’t always guarantee your company will be attractive to employees. Use workplace perks that will actually be useful to your employees and not big flashy gestures that will be forgotten in a matter of weeks.

Here’s some ideas to get you started:

• Free healthy snacks/drinks for all: Easy to implement and will not only improve your employees’ health, we all know everyone loves free stuff!
• On-site gym/exercise activities: If you’ve got the space (and it doesn’t have to be expensive) set up a small gym or exercise area/room and let your employees use it before and after work, at lunch times or break times (or even if they’re feeling a little stressed and need something to take their mind off a workplace problem).
• Bring a pet to work day: If this is possible in your workplace – why not have a bring your dog (or other pets) to work day? You’ll be amazed how this will improve morale.
• Allow your employees to work wherever they want: If you can make it so that your employees are not restricted to sitting at a desk all day, this can be a real productivity booster.
• On-site childcare facilities: If your company has the capacity to offer childcare facilities such as before and after school clubs etc. this could be a massive perk for working parents who sometimes struggle for time. This is especially useful when they have large projects to work on and need to work late.
• Take time out: Treat your employees to a paid for lunch or a night out from time to time. You’ll be amazed how much it will contribute to your employees’ well-being, opinion of the company (and you) and general feeling of being valued in the workplace.

There’s lots of ways you can reward your staff – take a look at www.perkbox.co.uk for some inspiration. And don’t forget that the Premier Placement Services team are always here for all your recruitment needs too! If you’re looking for staff, get in touch.