I don't think any organisation has escaped the impact of the pandemic in some way or another. And it's probably safe to say that most companies will use the transformational effects of the pandemic to keep the positive changes in working practices, rather than reverting back to how things used to be done.
Having said that, it's interesting to read how companies are realigning their benefits to take into account these workforce changes. Recent research by the REBA shows that 91% of businesses agree employees’ expectations of their work experience are changing - for example, season ticket loans probably don't hold much value in the current climate! And will the same numbers of staff be returning to the office 5 days a week in the future anyway?
There's a growing focus on health and wellbeing - 68% of employers have introduced at least one new benefit to support employees’ mental and emotional health over the last 12 months. The other topics rising to the top of the list include employee discounts, flexible working and recognition schemes.
Employees who feel valued are more productive and satisfied at work. It could be as simple as a genuine thank you or recognition for their hard work - it doesn't have to cost anything.
It seems that the learnings from Covid are driving this agenda forward, ensuring organisations realign their benefits to prioritise the importance of job satisfaction, engagement, mental health and work-life balance.
Happy and engaged employees will be advocates of your organisation, deliver better results and attract people who align to your culture and values.
Is it time to review what your employees really value and realign your benefits for the new world of work post pandemic?
Employee benefits: The trends to look out for in 2021 2020 was a year like no other and completely disrupted the way many people work. With lockdown restrictions still in place and working from home here to stay for the foreseeable future, 2021 is set to be a new chapter in itself and when it comes to reassessing workplace benefits, the pressure is on for employers to make sure that their existing offering is still fit for purpose. A significant 91% of businesses agree that employees’ expectations of their work experience are changing. This is no surprise, with benefits such as season ticket loans, being little use to employees while the pandemic continues. As such employers must adapt their benefits to new ways of working and ensure that the initiatives they provide remain fit-for-purpose.
https://bdaily.co.uk/articles/2021/02/02/employee-benefits-the-trends-to-look-out-for-in-2021
