Question: Employer-Provided Benefits for Remote Workers

HR teams often put a lot of time and effort into creating benefit packages and perks for employees that help them remain satisfied and engaged at the workplace. But the pandemic has changed the way a lot of us are working, leading to a situation in which many benefits and employee perks simply aren’t as useful as they once were.

This situation leaves employers questioning what types of benefits they can offer employees who continue to work remotely to ensure those employees still feel appreciated and are able to take advantage of the benefits on offer.

Here are some examples of benefits and perks that may be especially useful for remote employees:

  • Stipends or reimbursement for home office furniture or equipment, including things like printers or other devices normally found in offices that are not in every home.

  • Partial or full reimbursement for in-home childcare costs. Childcare services are often hard to come by these days, leaving parents to look for in-home options, which are not always affordable.

  • Subscriptions to online fitness activities of employees’ choosing or reimbursements for the same. This could be part of a wellness initiative.

  • Credits or reimbursement of $x per month for home delivery services to have groceries or takeout food delivered to their home.

  • Flexible working hours to allow employees to better manage their time.

  • Payments or reimbursements for online therapy or counseling.

  • Home subscription boxes that are relevant to employee needs or interests.

  • Covering costs of streaming services for entertainment. This is a small item that can have an outsize impact.

  • Payment for online physical training sessions or one-on-one sessions with a virtual trainer for employees who are interested.

  • Software for employees to prioritize well-being, such as premium meditation apps, sleep trackers, and the like.

  • Reimbursements for some or all other fitness purchases, like fitness trackers or home exercise equipment.

  • Other classes that can help employees manage the new normal and create work/life balance, like parenting classes or coverage for activities for children...

Source: HR Daily Advisor