Companies like Facebook and Google are known for the extraordinary benefits they offer employees. Although you may not have that kind of budget, you can get just as creative—for less.
To find out how, we asked a panel of 10 successful entrepreneurs the following question: What is one benefit you offer all new hires that helps you stand out (even if it doesn’t cost a lot)? Here’s what they had to say:
1. The Option to Work Remotely
We allow all staff members to work from wherever they want. This gives us access to a much larger talent pool, and allows employees to get more creative. Many of our people do their best work at coffee shops, at parks, or in their homes. The technology is available to make this a reality for most companies.
– Dave Nevogt, Hubstaff.com
2. Meaning
At RTC, we only work on projects of great meaning. The value to our staff is that they go to bed each night knowing they are part of life-changing work. That value has outweighed any other benefits I could offer, and it inspires them to be “A-players” and contribute their talents for the benefit of our clients.
– Corey Blake, Round Table Companies
3. Unlimited Vacations
Most people think it’s expensive to offer unlimited vacations, but it’s not. Actually, I feel as though my staff members are even more productive now that they know they can take time off whenever they want. Plus, it seems to me like they’re even more conscious of completing their responsibilities before leaving for time off.
– Andrew Schrage, Money Crashers Personal Finance
4. Custom-Drawn Avatar
Every new employee gets an avatar of them drawn as their favorite video game character. It’s just a fun way of showing the new hires that they’re officially a member of the team.
– Adam Lieb, Duxter
5. Insurance
We’re a small business, so offering benefits to match the big guys is a top priority. We have always paid 100 percent of health insurance costs for our employees and will continue to do so to show our company’s loyalty to the team. ACA or not, this is the right thing to do, and we’re proud to flaunt this when looking for new talent to join our team.
– Robby Hill, HillSouth
6. Optional Shoes
We are based in Southwest Florida, so I say if you feel like wearing board shorts, a T-shirt and flip flops to work, go for it. Are you just really loving those new pajamas that are in your dresser? Throw them on and come on in. It’s about the quality of work you produce, not the designer of your new suit.
– Vinny Antonio, Victory Marketing Agency
7. Days Off When Schools Close
Any time the area school district closes for bad weather, such as a snow day, we close too. We know that it is hard for parents to scramble to find reliable care, and it also means the road conditions are probably dangerous, so we’d rather our team be home with their families than worrying about childcare and driving through a blizzard to get to work.
– Sarah Schupp, UniversityParent
8. Decision-Making Power From Day One
I put full trust in my employees right from the start. After all, they’re here to do great work to help grow the company. Some people have an attitude that each new person must prove themselves. I assume everyone will do an amazing job until I’m proven otherwise. Full belief and trust from the owner right from the start is a huge benefit that costs nothing to provide.
– Laura Roeder, LKR Social Media
9. $2,000 Technology Bonus
Most companies make their employees use old technology that barely works. It’s demoralizing and frustrating to new hires. We offer $2,000 to all new hires so they can get top-of-the-line technology. Most select a Macbook Pro and a 27-inch monitor. People enjoy working much more when you eliminate technology challenges.
– Chuck Cohn, Varsity Tutors
10. Standing Desks
Every new hire is given the option of ordering a convertible standing desk that raises and lowers electronically. Instead of sitting at a computer all day, these team members can stand up to stay active, alert and more motivated at work.
– Robert J. Moore, RJMetrics
Scott Gerber is the founder of the Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC), an invite-only organization comprised of the world's most promising young entrepreneurs.
