Ahhh, employee benefits... Or, #workperks as the kids are saying. The elusive confetti cannon of the business world that can make or break team morale, the quality of work produced by employees, employee turnover, and overall employee satisfaction.
It can be a complicated topic to navigate, and once you throw benefits for remote workers into the mix, your head may start to spin.
It used to be that the option to work from home WAS a work perk. But with 70% of employees worldwide working from home at least one day a week, the remote workforce is stronger than ever… and just because working remotely is a kind of perk in and of itself doesn't mean it should be used as an excuse not to offer other benefits.
Is working in your pajamas really more valuable than an office chair that offers top-notch lumbar support? Or having two high-quality monitors to work from?
And that's not even touching more serious and essential benefits like healthcare, which can be difficult to navigate when a company is based in one location and its employees are global.
So whether you're a job seeker trying to figure out what type of benefits to be on the lookout for, or you're an employer trying to make sure your telecommuting employees stay happy, productive, and engaged, these 7 benefits for remote workers are a great place to get started.
1. Technology & Supplies
It's pretty safe to say that just about 100% of remote workers depend on their laptop and all its necessary accessories to complete their daily responsibilities. Providing these gadgets - or even just providing a stipend for employees to purchase these items on their own - is a highly appreciated and anticipated benefit. You might also consider offering an allowance for office desks, chairs, and supplies such as notebooks and pens.
2. Coworking Space Stipend
Working in your bed sounds great...until it isn't. Everybody needs to get out of the house, spend time with other people, and have a dedicated workspace with quality internet. Reimbursing employees for a coworking space is a great way to show that you value their sanity. Yay for putting on real clothes!
3. Flexible Work Hours & Unlimited Paid Time Off
Arguably one of the best things about working remotely is the feeling of knowing your employer trusts you enough to not have to keep an eye on you at all times. Many would assume that working from home means more flexibility, but a lot of companies still expect their employees to be on the clock during normal business hours. If a remote role has room for flexibility (i.e., doesn't require answering phone calls between set business hours), flexible work hours and even unlimited paid time off can go a long way as a company perk. Employers that don't care when or how a job is completed as long as it gets done are favored for a reason!
4. Health and Wellness Allowance
Healthy employees are happy employees... And happy employees are productive employees... And productive employees are the gold standard of the whole entire world! Well, at least the business world. That's why it's no surprise employees and companies alike value health and wellness benefits. Offering free gym memberships or allowances towards things like fitness programs, massages, nutritionists, and exercise equipment is an easy way companies are keeping their workers happier, healthier, and more productive.
An allowance like this is also a great way to ensure that employees living abroad can purchase whatever health insurance best suits their needs and get reimbursed.
5. Company Trips
One of the biggest downsides of working remotely is feeling lonely and isolated from coworkers. The bigger issue here is that despite conference calls and video chats, feeling isolated during working hours can contribute to the feeling of not being a part of a team. Companies that offer all-expense-paid trips allow remote team members to escape the seclusion of their homes, have some personal time outside of their home office on the company's dime, and experience team bonding that results in a better sense of belonging in the company.
6. Paid Parental Leave & Childcare Benefits
Going back to the office after bringing a new baby into the world is incredibly difficult for most parents. But going back to work when your office is in your home where you've been cuddling your little bundle since it arrived in this world? That can be extra difficult to navigate. Just because employees are working from home doesn't mean you should expect them not to need/want paid time off with their new addition. You need to offer paid parental leave and childcare benefits to remote workers the same way you would in-office workers. (Unless you're in the 60% of companies in the U.S. that don't offer paid parental leave - then you need to do better.)
7. Home Delivery Services
With the boom in subscription boxes, offering affordable - yet exciting - home delivery subscriptions to remote employees is a great way to bring in-office culture to a remote setting. If a company headquarters is pet friendly, sending a monthly dog toy subscription to remote pet owners is a great way to involve Fido from afar. If a company is known for providing outstanding coffee or lunches in the office, providing remote workers with a meal kit delivery service or a coffee-of-the-month subscription is a simple, affordable, and easy way to help employees know you care!
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