Tailoring Voluntary Benefits To Employee Needs: 4 Lessons Learned From HR Leaders

Modern strategies for employee benefits

In the quest to tailor voluntary benefits to the diverse tapestry of today's workforce, we've gathered insights from leading human resources (HR) professionals. From introducing a flexible wellness allowance to offering discounted fitness center memberships, discover the innovative strategies distilled from four expert responses that reflect the evolving landscape of employee-driven benefits.
 

 

• Introduce Flexible Wellness Allowance
• Tailor Benefits with Employee Feedback
• Add Student Loan Paydown Benefit
• Offer Discounted Fitness Center Memberships

Introduce Flexible Wellness Allowance

We customize voluntary benefits by regularly surveying our employees to understand their needs and preferences. Based on feedback, we introduced a flexible wellness allowance. This benefit allows employees to use a set amount for activities or services that promote their well-being, such as gym memberships, yoga classes, or mental health apps.

For example, as our workforce began to include more young employees with families, we introduced a childcare subsidy based on employee suggestions. This has been well-received and has significantly helped employees balance work and family responsibilities. Regularly adapting benefits based on direct feedback ensures we meet the evolving needs of our diverse workforce.
 

Ana Alipat, Recruitment Team Lead, Dayjob Recruitment

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Tailor Benefits with Employee Feedback

Our organization customizes voluntary benefits through a comprehensive employee feedback system and demographic analysis. We conduct regular surveys and focus groups to understand the evolving needs and preferences of our workforce. For example, we recently introduced a flexible wellness benefit program based on employee feedback. This program allows employees to choose from a range of wellness options, such as gym memberships, mental health support, and nutrition counseling. 

This initiative was particularly driven by the increasing emphasis on mental health and well-being among younger employees. Additionally, recognizing the diverse cultural backgrounds of our workforce, we included options for culturally specific wellness activities and support services. This tailored approach not only enhances employee satisfaction and engagement but also helps us attract and retain top talent by demonstrating our commitment to their holistic well-being.
 

Steven Mostyn, Chief Human Resources Officer, Management.org

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Add Student Loan Paydown Benefit

With voluntary benefits, we focus on personalization and tracking demographic shifts within the organization. We noticed an uptick in millennial and Gen Z employees, so we added a new benefit: student loan paydown, which has been very popular. We saw many of our employees under financial stress with student loans, and it was entirely employee-led feedback. Not only is the benefit good for employees to pay down some of their student debt, but it also positions us in a very appealing way for younger talent, which is essential for recruitment.
 

Sunaree Komolchomalee, Head of Human Resources, Cupid Digital PR Agency

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Offer Discounted Fitness Center Memberships

At KIS Finance, we understand that offering benefits that truly fit the diverse needs of our employees is crucial. Everyone has their own lifestyle and priorities, so we aim to provide options that genuinely make a difference in their lives.

One of the best examples is how we introduced fitness center benefits. We noticed more employees getting into fitness and wanting better access to resources. They voiced their needs, and we listened.

We started by surveying our team to see what they needed. The feedback was clear: they wanted access to fitness facilities without the high costs. So, we partnered with local gyms to offer discounted memberships. We also set up some stationary bikes and under-the-desk treadmills in our office.

One employee was very vocal about needing better fitness options. After we made these changes, they started working out regularly. This improved their physical health, boosted their mental well-being, and even increased their productivity at work. Hearing stories like this confirmed we were on the right track.

By listening to our employees and adapting to their needs, we create a workplace where everyone feels supported and valued. This not only helps our team members thrive but also strengthens their loyalty and engagement with the company. Offering benefits like fitness center access shows that we genuinely care about their well-being and are committed to supporting their unique health and lifestyle goals.
 

Susan Andrews, HR Consultant, KIS Finance

Brett Farmiloe is the CHRO and CEO of Featured.