The job market is fast changing in the United States. There are now around 157 million workers in the United States, each doing their own thing to contribute to the overall wellness of their companies. However, as more people work, the more they will need help to stay productive.
There are many ways a company can help its employees. For example, they can make the office more suitable to their needs, give them more responsibilities, or help with their work/life balance. And while those are all important, benefits should be on top of your list.
Employees seek more benefits than ever, but most don’t know what’s good for them. Here are some benefits your employees need but don’t know about yet.
Dental Insurance
It’s shocking to know that dental problems are the leading cause of presenteeism in an office. However, it also contributes to absenteeism, as dental problems can lead to more sick days. One study showed that dental problems caused American workers to miss around 164 million work hours, costing the economy about $1.8 billion annually.
One of the growing problems is that not many health insurances offer dental coverage. And those that do offer minimal dental coverage. That’s why dental insurance should be one of the benefits you give your employees. When looking for the right dental insurance, ensure that you choose one that covers the cost of many dental procedures. If you want to save money on this, consider partnering with a local dentist’s office instead. Partnering with them can give your employees dental discounts and other dental benefits.
Vision Insurance
Another significant benefit that your employees need is vision insurance. Just like dental problems, vision problems can lead to absenteeism and presenteeism. In addition, studies have shown that poor vision can lead to a decrease in productivity by up to 20%.
There are many reasons why you should get vision insurance for your employees. For one, it can help them avoid eye strain and other vision-related problems. It can also help them stay focused on their work and be more productive overall. And lastly, it can help you save money on health care costs in the long run. When choosing a vision insurance plan, ensure it covers a wide range of procedures, including eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses.
Ergonomic Furniture
Getting the right furniture in your office should be beneficial, considering many employees can gain carpal tunnel syndrome after long work periods.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that causes pain, numbness and tingling in the hands and arms. It’s caused by repetitive motions, such as typing on a keyboard or using a mouse. And while it’s common among office workers, your business can prevent it with the right furniture.
The first thing you need to do is get rid of any chairs that don’t have armrests. These chairs strain the wrists unnecessarily and can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. Instead, opt for chairs with adjustable armrests so employees can adjust them to their needs.
You should also invest in ergonomic keyboards and mice. These keyboards and mice are designed to reduce the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome and other injuries. They also help improve productivity as they’re easier to use.
Lastly, consider getting a standing desk. A study by the University of Texas found that using a standing desk can help improve productivity by up to 15%.
Paid Time Off
Paid time off is another critical benefit your employees need. It allows them to take days off when they’re sick or need to care for a family member. And while most companies offer paid time off, they don’t offer enough. The average worker only gets ten days of paid time off per year.
This is not enough considering the number of sick days and mental health days employees need. Studies have shown that workers who don’t get enough paid time off are more likely to experience burnout. And while you may think that offering more paid time off will cost you more, it can save you money in the long run. This is because employees who take paid time off are less likely to get sick and are more productive at work.
So, consider offering more paid time off to give your employees the benefits they need. And when doing so, make sure you offer a generous amount of time off.
Making employees more productive should be the goal of every business. After all, a productive employee is a happy employee. And when employees are happy, they’re more likely to stay with your company for the long run. So, if you want to keep your employees happy and productive, consider giving them these five benefits.
