Home
/
Blog
/
A fresh approach to employee benefits

Let's be honest, when was the last time you were truly excited about your employee benefits package? You know, the standard offering: health insurance, maybe a basic life insurance policy, and the occasional 'employee appreciation' email blast! Don't get me wrong, those things are important, but are they really working?

are your employee benefits truly benefiting your people?

Think about it. We're living in a world where stress is a constant companion, burnout is a badge of (undeserved) honor, and the line between work and personal life has blurred into a fuzzy, anxiety-inducing mess. Are traditional employee benefits keeping up? This is where the conversation shifts.

Businesses are throwing money at problems without addressing the root cause: people aren't feeling valued, supported, or genuinely seen. They're craving something more than just a dental plan; they want a culture that prioritises how they are, physically and mentally - not just how productive they are!

Smart organisations are rethinking what employee benefits truly mean. They are moving beyond the standard checklist and beginning to think about benefits that actually resonate with employees' lives.

"People forget how fast you did a job – but they remember how well you treated them." Carl W. Buehner

So, what's the solution?

It's time to reimagine employee benefits as a tool for creating a truly meaningful workplace. Here's what that might look like:

Wellbeing as a core benefit: Instead of a token gym discount, offer comprehensive wellbeing programmes that address mental, physical, and emotional health. Think health screening on a one-to-one basis, workshops with topics that truly resonate, and flexible work arrangements that prioritise work-life balance. Programmes such as the Habits for Health programme, that provides real coaching support, and builds real momentum.
Meaningful recognition: Ditch the generic "employee of the month" plaque. Instead, create a culture of genuine appreciation. Celebrate individual contributions, provide opportunities for professional development, and foster a sense of belonging.
Flexibility and autonomy: When employees feel in control of their own journey, it boosts motivation from within which leads to real, lasting change. It’s not about telling people what to do but helping them discover what works for them. Empower them to prioritise their wellbeing without sacrificing their career goals.
Community and connection: Create opportunities for employees to connect with each other, both inside and outside of work. Foster a sense of community through team-building activities, volunteer opportunities, and social events.
And remember, peer support can make all the difference: When employees have space to share experiences and encourage each other, it helps build a stronger, more supportive company culture. Wellbeing Ambassadors act as relatable role models, they help keep wellbeing visible and accessible by playing a key role in driving engagement and making wellbeing part of everyday work life.

Employee benefits testing blood pressure as part of the Health Screening consultation

make employee benefits meaningful

It's about creating an environment where people truly matter, and recognising that our employees are more than just cogs in a machine; they're human beings with lives, families, and aspirations. When we invest in their wellbeing, we invest in the future of our company. Create a workplace where people are engaged, motivated, and genuinely happy to be there.

That’s where Wellbeing People come in. We help forward-thinking companies deliver powerful, proactive wellbeing solutions that genuinely make a difference. Whether it’s through digital wellbeing programmes or interactive health experiences - we make employee benefits meaningful.

Let's start the conversation. Let's rethink employee benefits. Let's build a workplace where people thrive. Because at the end of the day, a company is only as strong as its people. And happy, healthy people make a happy, healthy company..

Take a look at our workplace wellbeing solutions

References and further reading

Virgin Pulse Business Wire

A fresh approach to employee benefits

are your employee benefits truly benefiting your people?

So, what's the solution?

make employee benefits meaningful

Employee Wellbeing Programme

6 ways to build a workplace wellbeing culture

Interactive Health Kiosk