By Will Brown
As professionals in the HR world, we know the happiness of our people matters—a lot. But we’re limited by budgets, time, and perhaps our own imaginations. Besides, we’ve got the tried-and-true staples: medical, dental, and vision (the trifecta of the benefits world). But why does it have to stop there? Last I checked, no rulebook says we can’t get a little creative to increase the collective Happiness Quotient.
Measuring the Happiness Quotient presents a refreshing and innovative perspective in a world of corporate dynamics where companies meticulously track ROI, net income, and other metrics. It invites us to transcend conventional parameters and focus on employee well-being, joy, and satisfaction as indicators of organizational health and success. Some companies are getting it right. We hear wild stories of the lengths some take to create a culture of fun in their workplaces. Here are a few examples:
- Google. Google employees enjoy onsite perks like laundry, fitness centers, and meal options from various cuisines. They even have “nap pods” for a quick daily recharge!
- Zappos. When it’s your first day at the office as a new Zapponian, you get your own parade! Zapponians can also earn Zollars for participating in company events, which can be redeemed for merchandise.
- Salesforce. Salesforce has wellness reimbursement programs to encourage healthy lifestyles since healthy employees are productive. They’ve gone so far as to have themed floors, including a mindful meditation floor.
- Facebook. Facebook provides its employees with video game and VR stations for downtime, on-site barber shop and dental services, and access to various classes and workshops for personal and professional development.
We know these companies’ “happiness budgets” far exceed ours. But do the more unique benefits you provide have to cost a fortune? Absolutely not. A sprinkle of creativity can compensate for any shortcomings in your core offerings.
If your benefits look a bit drab and maybe a little last century, it’s time to give them a makeover (one that doesn’t break the bank).
Let’s not be bound by the formal and conventional. Car wash days, exclusive discounts on that café around the corner, book clubs, or even themed gift baskets—let your imagination run wild! Negotiate fleet discounts for car washes or oil changes or strike a deal with the local dealership for discounts on new rides. Here are a few other affordable ways to take your benefits offering to the next level (one that boosts the Happiness Quotient):
- Create a Learning Culture. Host regular knowledge-sharing sessions where employees can share insights and knowledge on topics, they are passionate about. A monthly book club can also be a low-cost way to encourage employee learning and discussion.
- Promote Wellness. Hosting a weekly virtual yoga or meditation session can be inexpensive and promote wellness. Your employees may even love a month-long step or workout challenge.
- Celebrate Together. Host themed dress-up days or potlucks where everyone can contribute. Regular shoutouts and recognition in team meetings can boost morale without costing a dime.
- Encourage Community Engagement. Encourage employees to volunteer and offer a few hours of paid time off for them to do so. Participate in local events or host a community day where employees can engage with the community.
- Negotiate Discounts. Negotiate discounts with local businesses for your employees. Leverage the collective buying power of your employees to secure discounts on various services and products.
- Fuel Creativity. Host regular contests where employees can submit innovative ideas, with small rewards for the best ones. Arrange for workshops or brainstorming sessions to foster innovation and creativity among employees.
Of course, we can’t toss the essentials, but there’s a whole dazzling world of creative and functional benefits we can explore. Wellness initiatives, on-site learning, mortgage discounts, and gym memberships are just the starting line. Think bigger, think bolder!
Let’s not keep our benefits stuck in the Stone Age. Let’s jazz them up, align them with our cultures and values, and make them the talk of the town. Let’s explore, innovate, and, most importantly, have some fun along the way. Keep it lively and watch the Happiness Quotient in your company shoot through the roof!
If you want to brainstorm more ideas, call me at The Benefits Group. I’m happy to discuss ways to help you raise the Happiness Quotient of your employees! Just ask for Will.
www.thebenefits.group
615.250.3334