The Find: If your employees are green-eyed with envy for the luxe benefits at the likes of Google, HR world has some low cost perks to make them more comfortable, more engaged and hopefully more productive.- The Source: The HR World website.
The Takeaway: Sure the economy is in the tank and many employees are happy just to have a job, but in times like these keeping up morale is more important - and more difficult - than ever. That doesn’t mean that you can afford splash out on free gourmet food and on-site car washes like Google (and even Google is cutting back - alas, no more all expenses paid ski trips), but there are ways you can make your office a more comfortable place and demonstrate your commitment to employees’ health and well being. HR World has some suggestions:
- Provide massage tools. There are a surprising variety of self-massage tools available that people can use to rub out sore spots in the back, neck and shoulders. You can supply a few of these for each department.
- Supply stress balls or Chinese medicine balls. People develop injuries in their hands if they continually use the small, sensitive muscles in only one way. Providing stress balls and Chinese medicine balls will help staff exercise their hands in new ways, rather than just typing.
- Provide ergonomic workstation equipment. Make sure that you have extra office tools that employees can use — such as document holders, phone headsets, ergonomic mice, keyboard trays and so on.
- Design an inviting break room. People are more likely to spend lunch time in the break room instead of at their desks if it’s an inviting and comfortable space. Consider adding a fish tank, potted plants, free tea or other small luxuries to make it inviting.
- Provide a stretching or exercise room. Google might have its own gym, but most companies don’t even have a quiet room where employees can stretch. You can easily provide a small, quiet office with a few yoga mats and maybe an exercise ball.
- Organize people power. If you have an organization with talented staff, they can surely come up with ideas about how to improve the workspace, too. Invite their input and elicit help in organizing fun staff events, sports teams and more.
OK, a potted plant really can’t compete with plentiful free massages, but when everyone is talking about employee engagement or the lack thereof, these measures are surely better than nothing and can be afforded by nearly everyone.
The Question: Do you have any other suggestions for practical, low-cost perks employees will actually appreciate?
(Image of perks sign by tehusagent, CC 2.0)
