What employee perks do you offer? The modern workplace is evolving, and so are the expectations of employees. In the competitive landscape of 2023, small businesses in the UK are seeking creative ways to attract and retain top talent. But what exactly do employees want? This article explores the five most desired employee perks that UK small business employees are looking for in 2023.
Top 5 Most Desired Employee Perks of 2023
1. Flexible Working Hours
What It Means
Flexibility: Employees have the option to start and finish work at varying times.
Remote Working Options: Opportunities to work from home or other locations.
Why Employees Want It
Work-Life Balance: Helps in maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life.
Reduced Commute Stress: Allows for avoiding peak commuting hours.
2. Mental Health Support
What It Means
Counselling Services: Access to professional mental health support.
Mindfulness Programs: Offering resources and programs focused on mental well-being.
Why Employees Want It
Emphasis on Well-being: Acknowledges the importance of mental health.
Creates a Supportive Environment: Builds a culture of empathy and understanding.
3. Continuous Learning and Development Opportunities
What It Means
Training Programs: Opportunities to learn new skills and enhance existing ones.
Educational Assistance: Financial support for courses, workshops, or degrees.
Why Employees Want It
Career Growth: Facilitates professional development.
Personal Fulfilment: Enables personal growth and satisfaction.
4. Tailored Benefits Packages
What It Means
Customised Benefits: Options to choose benefits that best suit individual needs, such as health insurance, retirement plans, or childcare support.
Why Employees Want It
Personalisation: Reflects an understanding of individual preferences and lifestyles.
Increased Value: Makes the benefits package more relevant and valuable to each employee.
5. Eco-Friendly Initiatives
What It Means
Sustainable Practices: Efforts to reduce the company’s environmental impact.
Eco-Friendly Commuting Options: Encouraging cycling, public transportation, or electric vehicles.
Why Employees Want It
Social Responsibility: Aligns with a growing concern for environmental issues.
Personal Contribution: Allows employees to participate in positive change.
The workplace expectations of 2023 are shaped by a dynamic mix of personal, professional, and societal factors. UK small business employees are increasingly valuing perks that contribute to work-life balance, mental well-being, continuous learning, personalisation, and environmental responsibility.
For small businesses seeking to compete for top talent, understanding and implementing these perks is not just a trend but a strategic imperative. By aligning benefits with the real desires of employees, small businesses can foster a motivated, satisfied, and loyal workforce. In the rapidly changing landscape of 2023, these perks could well be the defining factors that set successful small businesses apart.
Contact us to organise a call to discuss your benefits package and how we can help you to retain your employees.
