When you’re job hunting, it’s easy to be seduced by companies offering free meals, free dry cleaning, or workspaces peppered with ping-pong tables or video games. These modern day perks are often touted as “benefits”, but not only are they not benefits, they’re actually golden handcuffs.

While it’s true that 21st century employees value different benefits than our grandparents did, what workers want today are actually benefits that improve, not reduce, work-life balance and contribute to their overall wellbeing.

With today’s complicated and costly healthcare market, health insurance is a top benefit. But today workers expect more than an HMO or PPO. They also want wellness benefits like reimbursement of gym memberships, and workplaces that boast onsite fitness facilities and ergonomically designed workspaces.

Quality Time is Key

Shifting Gears

First, make sure benefits are genuine. Things like catered meals or free onsite childcare might not really be the best benefits because they are designed to encourage employees to be chained to work. Real benefits do what the word says: they benefit the employee, not the employer.

Benefits are also a great tool to reinforce culture. For example, if a family atmosphere is part of your culture, benefits that encourage structured socialisation among employees, as well as paid family leave and unlimited vacation time, are congruent with the culture. A company that values innovation and freedom could provide flexible and remote work options and professional development benefits.

Smart companies recognise that offering a mix of traditional and modern benefits can help create a positive brand image in the marketplace, attract top talent and lead to healthy, happy employees who are excited about where they work, which ultimately leads to an increase in productivity, a decrease in sick days and a workplace with a positive culture.