WorkWell: The Best Office Perks to Offer in 2021
After a year fraught with stress and anxiety that forced many businesses to change how they operate, the trend to improve quality of life in the workplace seems to be on the rise. Offering workplace perks that focus on the overall well-being of your employees is a must. Keep reading to discover some best office perks 2021.
What Kind of Perks Are Employees Looking For?
In a post-pandemic society, your employees may be looking for support and a low-stress work environment. It is up to you to determine which perks lend the most support to your employees. Here are some potential perks to offer:
- Nutrition programs
- Fitness programs
- Travel and retreats
- Option to work remotely
- Flexible schedules
- Mental health days
- Wellness checks
Nutrition Programs
It can be a struggle to make healthy choices when you feel overwhelmed or stressed. Consider adding these nutritious foods to your company breakroom to help your employees make healthy choices and feel their best at work:
- Fresh fruits and veggies
- Plain Greek yogurt
- Air-popped popcorn (100% whole grain)
- Nuts and seeds
Healthy eating plays a huge role in wellness, and studies by the World Health Organization (WHO) have shown that proper nutrition can increase productivity by 20%. Not only can improving nutrition boost productivity, but it can also reduce stress in your employees.
Fitness
In addition to fueling your employees with nutritious snacks, movement plays a vital role in wellness. Take a look at some types of workout activities to incorporate in your workplace:
- Online yoga and fitness classes
- Fitness challenges
- Meditation sessions
Fitness programs contribute to your employees’ wellness and can be a fun, team-building activity for colleagues to do together.
Company and Executive Retreats
There is no better way to relax than to retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Retreats offer your employees a chance to unplug from work and connect with their colleagues socially.
Whether it be a trip to the mountains or a quiet yoga retreat, think about what would be the most fun or relaxing experience for your team and treat them to a weekend away.
Shopping Perks
If there is a possibility to save money on essential items, most people will jump at the chance. Your employees may appreciate shopping discounts as a perk. Depending on your industry, it may even be possible to create partnerships with third parties to offer your employees discounts and promotions.
For instance, businesses in the travel industry may be able to offer employees discounts on travel through partnerships with hotels and airlines.
Consider subscribing to a service that provides discounts, such as the ShopWell feature of MyLifeWell. Your employees can look for discounts on wellness essentials, clothing, beauty products, fitness accessories, and more.
Mental Health Support
According to research by the National Institute for Healthcare Management, the number of people who reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety tripled in 2020 compared to 2019. This anxiety ranges from being concerned about losing their job to being worried about staying healthy and safe in their workplace.
In 2021, there are programs available to support mental health in your employees. Here are some ways to include mental health support as a perk for your company:
Virtual Team-Building Wellness Sessions
As your employees continue to have the flexibility to work from home, you can meet them where they are with online wellness sessions that give them tools to improve their mental, emotional, and social health.
By partnering with coaches and instructors, you can provide your employees with access to mindfulness and breathwork sessions, among other wellness activities. These activities not only provide a valuable perk to your employees, they are also proven to increase employee engagement and retention.
Health Evaluation & Personal Coaching
Conduct a health evaluation survey to better understand what your employees are looking for in terms of personal coaching. Connecting your employees to the right wellness coach can be beneficial to their mental, emotional, and social health throughout the work week.
While therapists treat complex clinical conditions, wellness coaches can help your employees manage their emotions, improve relationship skills, and reduce anxiety — all beneficial skills for both work and life.
Flexibility
After a year of working from home, many people have grown accustom to the flexibility remote offices provided. Continue to allow your employees to work a flexible schedule with:
- Floating holidays
- Additional mental health days
- The option to work from home some days
MyLifeWell Offers the Best Office Perks for 2021
A workplace wellness plan can incorporate all the above perks for your employees. The MyLifeWell Health & Fitness App puts these perks at your employees’ fingertips. This way, your employees get the support they need to meet their wellness goals through programs and challenges, as well as through bonus perks like shopping discounts and wellness travel packages.
All of the provided services can be tailored to fit the needs of your business:
- Classes on-demand
- Custom workouts and goals
- Challenges and rewards
- Track food intake and calories
- MindVibe mindfulness and meditation guide
- Exclusive discounts and promotions
Bring Out the Best in Your Employees
Workplace perks are more than just an incentive to encourage people to come to work — they are a way of saying thank you to your employees and letting them know they are valued and supported. A holistic approach to adding perks to your business will bring out the best in your employees.
In 2021, your employees will appreciate the innovative perks you provide for them and will benefit professionally and personally from focusing on their mental, physical, emotional, and social wellness.
