employee loyaltyAs an HR employer, you know that employee loyalty is crucial for the success of your company. One way to build and maintain that loyalty is by offering competitive benefits. However, many employers tend to focus solely on traditional benefits such as health insurance and 401(k) plans. While these are important, it’s also important to consider outside-the-box benefits that can make a real difference in the lives of your employees and their families.

Paid Family Leave

One benefit that many employers don’t consider is offering paid family leave. This is a particularly important benefit for new parents, as it allows them to take the time they need to bond with their child without worrying about losing pay. It’s also a great way to show your employees that you value and support their family life.

Flexible Work Arrangements

Another benefit that can make a big difference is offering flexible work arrangements. This could include things like flexible scheduling, the option to work from home, or even a compressed workweek. This type of benefit can be especially beneficial for employees who have young children, elderly parents to take care of, or other responsibilities that make it difficult for them to stick to a traditional 9-5 schedule.

Employee Assistance Programs

Another benefit worth considering is offering employee assistance programs. These programs provide employees with access to counseling and other resources to help them cope with personal or professional problems. This type of benefit can be especially beneficial for employees who are going through a tough time, and it shows them that you care about their well-being.

Affinity Groups and ERGs

An affinity group or employee resource group (ERG) can be an effective way to increase employee loyalty. These groups provide a sense of community and belonging for employees who share a common identity or experience. For example, Black/Asian/Latinx affinity groups provide a space for employees of color to connect and support each other, while veterans groups can provide a sense of camaraderie for employees who have served in the military. 

Parents/caregivers groups can provide a sense of community and support for employees who are also balancing the responsibilities of raising a family. The ability to connect with others who understand and share similar experiences can create a sense of belonging and engagement for employees, and increase loyalty to the organization. ERGs can also provide a platform for employees to advocate for their needs and concerns, and be a valuable resource for the company to understand and address the diverse needs of its workforce.

One more benefit that can make a big difference is offering educational assistance. This could include tuition reimbursement, professional development courses, or even a scholarship program. This type of benefit can be especially beneficial for employees who are looking to advance their careers and it shows them that you are invested in their professional growth.

In conclusion, offering competitive benefits is a great way to build employee loyalty. But don’t forget to think outside the box when it comes to benefits. Consider offering things like paid family leave, flexible work arrangements, employee assistance programs, and educational assistance. These types of benefits can make a real difference in the lives of your employees and their families and it shows that you value and support them in all aspects of their lives.