Last week, we mentioned health insurance benefits, but sometimes that can be a little steep for small business owners. What can you do to compete with the bigger companies for great help without going broke? Tons. In fact, you do not have to spend a ton of money on benefits to keep your team happy. Here are a few suggestions, but don’t stop. Put your thinking cap on and come up with some of your own.
1. Major medical is a nickname for an inexpensive health insurance policy. Basically, it only covers for extreme circumstances and emergencies. If that’s what you can afford and your team has no other coverage, it may be appreciated.
2. Pay all or part of their cell phone bill. If your guys (and gals) use their phone to call ahead to customers, they may like the idea that you are willing to pay their bill or chip in for it each month. Don’t try to highlight all the calls on the bills and get detailed, just offer a flat amount each month.
3. Consider popping for a gym or YMCA membership. Sure, window cleaners are generally in good shape, but you’d be surprised how a little luxury like this can make someone appreciate their job more.
4. Disability insurance is, in my opinion, another luxury that most people cannot afford. It’s not expensive, though; Aflac has a bunch of options as do local insurance agents.
5. An HSA, or Health Savings Account, is a great option, too, particularly for those with high deductibles or ongoing medical expenses that are not normally covered. In fact, they recently changed the rules and you can now let the balance roll from year to year, until a nice sum is built up.
6. Dental insurance is quickly becoming extinct. Growing up, it was a staple of our parent’s benefit package yet today it is the first thing employers cut out. If you can’t afford health insurance, why not pop for dental instead? Teeth are important, too.
7. I will stand on a soapbox until the end of my days and proclaim the need for life insurance. Maybe people do not like to even contemplate death for one second, but it can cost $5,000-10,000 for the most BASIC funeral. Who has that kind of cash lying around? Knowing that work bought a small policy to cover this can be a relief for many and the out-of-pocket for you is very minimal.
8. PTO, or paid time off, is kinda a no-brainer. Maybe you can afford it, maybe you can’t. Think outside of the box. What about paying people NOT to work on their birthday?! It doesn’t cost much and I can promise you that your team secretly loves this because all their friends will be jealous. Who doesn’t want to sleep in on their birthday and get PAID to do it?
9. Company picnics and holiday parties are common everywhere but why not spend the money in a more unique way? How about starting a Family Day at Cedar Point, Six Flags or whatever amusement park is near you? Or, better yet, pass out tickets and let them go with their own friends when they choose.
10. IWCA training, like the Safety Training coming to Detroit in October, or a paid trip to the convention are also much appreciated perks. Plus, as an added bonus, it benefits you to have a more knowledgeable staff.
None of the above benefits is particularly expensive, but all are unique ways to let your team know that YOU appreciate THEM!