13 in-office perks for employees that make a real difference

Which are the in-office perks your employees can enjoy when working on-site? Is it innovative technology equipment, a gym studio, a childcare facility, or a tasty coffee from the barista corner? Company perks and incentives are non-cash bonuses that can impact talent attraction and retention, as well as employee satisfaction and engagement. From workplace design to people-centric facilities, you can make your office more attractive in various ways to ensure your staff benefits from working on-site as much as (or more than) they do from home. However, be careful not to focus only on in-office advantages. They are vital, but employees seem to prioritize other aspects even more. We’ll dig into this later. First, here are the 13 best on-site employee perks and incentives to turn your office into a welcoming and productive work environment.

13 examples of workplace perks and incentives

1. Ergonomic furniture and workstations

Standing desks, adjustable chairs, proper lighting, acoustic design… All these are examples of ergonomic elements that can create a more comfortable and productive environment for your team members. Ergonomic setups allow workers to perform tasks more efficiently and with less fatigue. They also prevent common workplace injuries such as back pain and repetitive strain injuries (RSIs), which can reduce healthcare costs. Lastly, it signals employees that their well-being is valued, enhancing job satisfaction and lowering turnover rates.

🖥️ Learn more about ergonomic practices in the workplace!

2. Modern technology and resources

Equipping your workplace with smart technology and resources like specialized software, VR tools, and AI-enabled workspaces transforms the office experience. These tools empower your employees to perform tasks more efficiently and creatively. Moreover, access to cutting-edge technology fosters continuous learning and skill development, showing your team members that their growth and well-being are valued. All these aspects are crucial for increasing engagement and retention.

3. On-site learning opportunities

Skill development and career growth are two of the main workers’ priorities. Promoting initiatives in the office that support this topic, like conferences, training classes, “lunch and learn” events, etc., can, therefore, become a great motivator for employees. To be inclusive, make the events (when possible) also available online for those who couldn’t attend in person. Another excellent learning opportunity you can foster is job shadowing, which consists of following colleagues in their roles for a day (or more) to learn from them. It’s a practical on-the-job training that is only possible in the office.

4. Local conciergerie services right at the office

Local conciergerie services at the office greatly benefit your team members by simplifying their daily tasks and improving their work-life balance/integration. These services can handle errands such as dry cleaning, car maintenance, and mailing delivery, freeing up their time and reducing stress. With these responsibilities managed, your staff can focus better, increasing productivity and satisfaction. Additionally, this convenient access to personal services enhances workplace morale. It demonstrates your commitment to employee well-being. Ultimately, it boosts retention by creating a more supportive and accommodating work environment.

💡 Read more about office facilities with critical examples to elevate your workplace!

5. Childcare facilities

Having childcare facilities at the office directly benefits employees by significantly reducing commuting time and logistical challenges of balancing work and family responsibilities. For instance, mothers and fathers can check on their little ones during breaks or lunch, easing anxiety about their child’s well-being. In emergencies, immediate proximity allows for a quick response without disrupting their workday. Besides, the convenience of on-site childcare fosters stronger parent-child relationships. Your team members can occasionally join activities or events, integrating family interaction into the workday without additional time or travel burdens.

6. Dedicated mother’s rooms

Going back to the office after maternity leave can be challenging for breastfeeding mums. Dedicated mother’s rooms in the office offer invaluable support to nursing mothers, providing privacy and comfort for breastfeeding or pumping milk. These thoughtfully designed spaces alleviate the stress of finding suitable locations, ensuring mothers feel respected and supported. Equipped with amenities like comfortable seating and refrigeration, they make the process seamless and dignified. For example, a mother can peacefully pump milk during her break, assuring her baby’s nourishment needs are met. It’s a compassionate approach that honors life’s beautiful balancing act.

7. Flexitime

The stress of commuting is often one of the reasons why people instead work from home. Allowing more flexibility regarding the start and the end of the work day can minimize this aspect. Employees are less anxious about being on time and avoid the hectic rush-hour commute. They can adjust when they arrive and leave the office according to the traffic and their needs. Parents can accommodate hours to attend school events or appointments without stress. Night owls can come later, aligning their work with their most alert times. This personalized approach respects individual needs, creating a harmonious work-life flow.

🚗 Read our article about the actual cost of commuting!

8. Pets in the office

Allowing pets in the office adds a pleasant dose of companionship and joy to the workday. Team members can enjoy stress-relieving moments, like a quick play session with a furry buddy during a break, which can elevate mood and create a sense of calm. Bringing their four-legged friends to work saves employees time and money on pet care services, letting them focus on responsibilities without worrying about their pet’s well-being. This welcoming atmosphere fosters genuine connections as colleagues bond over pet stories and shared walks, enriching daily interactions.

🐶 Read our article about dogs in the workplace to dig into the pros and cons of allowing pets at work!

9. Gym studio and wellness activities

Enabling your staff to do sports by creating a gym studio and organizing wellness classes in the office is also an initiative that can motivate your staff to come on-site and attract new talent. It allows employees to integrate fitness into their daily routines seamlessly. It offers convenient access to exercise facilities and helps maintain health without the extra commute to a fitness center. Your team members can work out alone or participate in group classes, which fosters camaraderie and a shared sense of achievement. Your on-site sports hub encourages a balanced lifestyle and empowers your staff to prioritize their well-being effortlessly amid work commitments.

10. Healthy food options

Offering free chocolate bars and sodas is outdated. People tend to care more about their health and want to avoid sugary and greasy food. Why not consider this and switch the old sweet and salty snacks with healthier alternatives like protein bars and fruits? However, check with your team first, as it seems that snacks are not important for workers anyway. Yet, you can focus on the meal options available (if you have a corporate restaurant). Try to offer healthy breakfast and lunch menus to your employees. Not only is it better for their health, but it is also better for their productivity than fast food and greasy meals that make them feel sleepy and low in energy.

☕ Discover the deskbird “catering & services” features and level up your meetings experience!

11. Free healthy meals

Free meals are a top perk for employees as they make them save time and money. By reducing daily expenses, such as lunch costs, your team members have more disposable income without thinking about where they will eat or what they will prepare for their lunch bag. Free breakfasts and lunches also foster a sense of community as colleagues bond over shared meals or cups of coffee in the morning. Like having in-office childcare facilities and gym access, the convenience of on-site free meals is one of the appealing company perks motivating your staff to frequent the workplace more often.

12. Community activities and gatherings

The sense of community and the feeling of belonging become pivotal aspects to focus on and promote in your corporate culture. Fostering this aspect benefits their mental health as much as it positively impacts your business by increasing engagement and performance. Arranging community activities can become a monthly gathering your team members look forward to attending. It can include sports and game tournaments, movie nights, cooking classes, etc. Send surveys and discuss your workers' passions and interests with them to organize events that are meaningful to them.

💜 Learn more about workplace communities and their impact!

13. Office events like happy hours

Organizing on-site events for employees can also become an in-office perk. We are no longer talking about activities here but about events such as recognition events, “lunch & learn,” happy hours, and so on. For example, happy hours help build stronger interpersonal relationships and encourage a relaxed and informal atmosphere. Setting this up weekly, you help your staff switch off from the day while bonding with colleagues. These moments of social interaction foster a sense of camaraderie and open communication that is usually less likely to happen during working hours. New and diverse ideas often flourish organically (sometimes the best ones!). Happy hours also serve as valuable networking opportunities, enabling coworkers to talk with peers from different departments and expand their professional connections in person.

Key warnings about in-office perks

In-office perks for YOUR employees

We gave a few examples of in-office perks, but they don’t necessarily match what your team members want. You need to send surveys and discuss with your workforce what they would expect to have on-site if you don’t want to make all these efforts in vain. For instance, many companies believe that free drinks and snacks are a great perk for some reason. However, according to Forbes, this “perk” is not even in the top 5 from an employee point of view. Again, work-life balance/integration matters more.

Finding the right in-office perks is challenging but still critical

When reading studies about employee perks in general, in-office perks aren’t at the top of the list. Still, they do matter. Just imagine. Each time your staff comes on-site, they must work in a gloomy office space that is not adapted to hybrid teams. There is no way they can work effectively, be engaged, and be willing to commute to work in such an environment. So, although in-office perks are less important for employees and hard to navigate, they still play a strategic role in your business.

Work flexibility remains the most wanted perk among employees

Hybrid schedules, flexitime, condensed workweek… Studies show that flexibility in the workplace remains a top priority for most employees. This doesn’t mean that in-office perks don’t matter. They make a difference in the tight job market and improve the on-site employee experience. However, perks and incentives that help them achieve better work-life integration weigh even more heavily in the balance. 

Implementing the right workplace perks ideas is a strategic move to improve talent attraction and retention, engagement, satisfaction, and experience. We hope these 13 in-office perks ideas inspire you and help you better understand what today’s workforce cares about.

But also, in-office perks for employees are your chance to remove any barriers that could prevent your staff from coming on-site more often. The home office sometimes seems more appealing than commuting to work, stressing about picking up kids on time, and running to the gym. You can make it even more convenient by providing all this in one place: your office space. With tailored-made employee perks and the deskbird app, coming to the office becomes your staff’s favorite option!

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