Mike Osorio

Employers Provide Added Perks to Keep Workers Happy

March 18, 2009

FROM RETAILWIRE:
While many employers are looking to cut labor-related costs wherever possible, some others are taking a longer range view and actually adding perks despite the current challenges of running a business, reports The Wall Street Journal. What added perks do you think are most helpful at this point in time?      [more...]

Providing perks that help reduce stress is admirable and strategic if part of a holistic effort to create an inspiring work environment. Unfortunately, many firms have added perks over the years either because they were flavor-of-the-day ideas or to mask a lack of a meaningful, inspiring company purpose.

Before a company looks to add more perks, start by assessing whether the employees feel connected to the company vision and purpose. Is there a vision and purpose? How is it articulated, demonstrated, made a part of everyday decisions? The key here is for employees to feel they are part of something meaningful, a deeper purpose than the specifics of their job function. If you can make this real, you’ll find that you need fewer perks to reduce stress or inspire engagement and loyalty.

If, however, your company's employees are emotionally connected to your vision and purpose, it will be a natural extension of your culture to work with your employees to understand what perks are appropriate. In that case, the addition of one or more meaningful perks will enhance your company’s reputation as an 'employer of choice' and ensure the best talent is seeking to join your team--in good times and bad.

I am most impressed with companies that focus on extraordinary learning and development. This is the best 'perk' of all. The Container Store comes to mind as a leader in this regard. As has been well documented, every first-year, full-time salesperson undertakes some 235 hours of training as opposed to the retail industry's typical seven or eight.

Start with a great vision, provide extraordinary learning opportunities, and remain consistent with both. Then, discussions about perks are appropriate and meaningful.