Employees wanted to feel valued, in today’s world they are no longer working for just a paycheck. As a small business, benefits can be a large cost to undertake and there is no way you can compete with a larger company. So, get creative.
Instead of just offering health insurance, outline perks that are available to employees.
- Summer Fridays. In the summer, depending on how busy the agency is, we have 1/2 days. This allows the team to enjoy the fleeting Michigan summer and start their weekend sooner. This is great for morale.
- Learning Fridays. As you can see, we really like Fridays. Once a month, we have educational sessions where a staff member shares their knowledge on a subject with the rest of the team. It is a great way for us to learn from each other and build our team bond.
- Profit-sharing. If the agency does well, the team benefits. At the end of the year, I assess our profits and bonuses are then paid out in January or February. It is not always a given, as the year may not have been profitable.
- Flexibility. Employees are encouraged to change up their work environment and head to a coffee shop, bookstore or home to change things up. I trust that the team will get their shit done and if working from a different location assists in productivity, then great.
- Team Outings. Whether it is lunch, a baseball game, dinner or something else, it is important to get away from the office setting and work on your team dynamic.
These are just a few examples of perks you can implement in your small business. Get creative and figure out ways to show your employees you care more than just a paycheck. If all else fails, bribe them with treats.
