There are many ways you can show your employees you care. Of course, giving them a raise or sending them a thank you note are great ways to show you care, but there’s a lot more you can do that will make your employees look forward to coming to work every day.
Offer Generous Workers’ Compensation
Every business needs a workers’ compensation policy. Even traditional offices where workers spend the majority of their day sitting at a desk need workers’ compensation policies, as even sitting can be hard on your body.
It isn’t just physical injuries you should cover. Covering illnesses should be considered as well. For example, offering compensation if your employee contracted COVID-19 is a great way to care for your employees. Even if they don’t end up using your policy, they will feel good knowing that if something were to go wrong, the company they work for would protect them.
Provide More Flexible Time Off
Do your employees get enough time off? It isn’t uncommon for businesses not to offer paid time off or parental leave, and even employees who are offered vacation time don’t take it. However, time off can increase job satisfaction, increase health, and increase productivity. Not to mention, it’s a great way to show your employees that you care.
However, just offering more time off isn’t enough. If you want to go the extra mile, offer more flexible time off to your employees.
It can be very annoying for employees to figure out if they should be using sick time or if they should be using vacation time. Designating more specific days off, like mental health days, can end up being even more of a nightmare. Instead, give your employees time off with no strings attached so they can use their time however they see fit.
Provide Easier Access to Healthcare and Wellness Programs
Many workers operate under the assumption that they are basically a human machine that is paid to work. Your workers deserve to feel like more than living, breathing robots. Show them that you care about their mental and physical health by providing everyone with easier access to healthcare and wellness programs.
For example, host on-site medical clinics where employees can get their annual checkup without the need to schedule an appointment or take time off work. Offer telehealth options or work with a nurse who is on-call to answer questions your employees have whenever they need help.
Wellness programs are also very appreciated by employees. A few wellness programs you can offer your employees include:
- Healthy lunches and snacks
- De-stress and nap zones
- On-site walking and biking paths
- Water coolers
- Cooking classes
- Health and wellness fairs
Not sure what kind of wellness program to offer? Ask your employees! Not only will they appreciate the program itself, they will also appreciate the fact that you asked for their input.
Find Ways to Offer Discounts for Community Services
Offering healthcare and wellness options on-site is convenient, but your options are limited. You have many more opportunities to show employees that you care by working with other businesses in the community to offer discounts.
For example, getting regular exercise can make your employees happier and healthier, but gym memberships can be so expensive. Make getting regular exercise a lot easier by working with a local gym to offer discounts to your employees.
Everyone love coffee in your office? Pass out coupons to a local coffee shop. Looking for a way for the team to spend more time together? Sign everyone up for a yoga class. There are many ways you can hook your employees up with other businesses and services in the area.
Find Reasons to Celebrate
Life in the office can get monotonous. Make things fun, interesting, and show your employees your appreciation by finding reasons to celebrate!
Celebrating holidays is a good place to start, but consider celebrating birthdays too. It’s even better if you can celebrate both personal and professional achievements. Reward the whole team for completing a project by paying for happy hour drinks, host a potluck when a coworker is promoted, or throw a party when a new parent returns to work after maternity leave.There are tons of reasons why you should spend a little time showing your employees you care, and there are just as many ways to show your appreciation! Get creative and find things that your employees will actually appreciate and they’ll continue bringing their all to work for many years to come.
