A guide to unique employee benefits that your workforce will love

Offering unique employee benefits is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity. Traditional perks like health insurance and retirement plans are essential, but these alone are no longer enough to engage and retain top talent. 

Employees are increasingly looking for benefits that align with their individual needs, support their well-being, and show that their employers genuinely value them. From personalized spending accounts to innovative wellness initiatives, offering a unique mix of benefits can set your organization apart. 

This article explores multiple creative and impactful benefits offerings designed to enhance employee satisfaction, boost productivity, and position your organization as a forward-thinking leader in the area of employee experience.

What are unique employee benefits?

Unique employee benefits go beyond traditional offerings like health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off, which, while essential, are now considered table stakes in many industries. 

Unlike these standard benefits, unique benefits are tailored to meet diverse employee needs, support employee wellness, and enhance satisfaction and engagement. Examples include Lifestyle Spending Accounts (LSAs), mental health programs, remote work stipends, and professional development funds. 

Traditional benefits like gym discounts, basic wellness programs, or rigid commuter allowances may feel outdated as employees increasingly seek flexible and personalized options. Unique benefits are a competitive advantage, and they signal an organization’s commitment to supporting employees in meaningful ways.

Types of unique employee benefits

Understanding the various types of unique employee benefits can help employers craft a program that resonates with their workforce, supports their goals, and differentiates their organization in a competitive job market. Here are some unique benefits your employees will appreciate.

Health and wellness benefits

Investing in your employees' health and well-being is a win-win. When your team feels their best, they're more likely to be productive, engaged, and loyal to your organization. Here are some unique health and wellness benefits to consider.

Fitness classes, gym memberships, and wellness stipends

Encourage your employees to prioritize their physical health by offering on-site yoga, Pilates, or HIIT classes. If your office doesn't have the space, consider offering a monthly stipend for wellness activities like fitness classes, massage therapy, or acupuncture.

Mental health support and therapy coverage

Mental health is just as important as physical health. Show your employees that you value their emotional well-being by providing access to confidential counseling services through an employee assistance program (EAP). You can also offer coverage with an all inclusive LSA that covers therapy sessions or mental health apps like Headspace or Talkspace.

Professional development benefits

Helping your employees grow professionally benefits everyone. When your team has opportunities to learn and advance their careers, they're more likely to stay with your company long term. Consider these unique professional development spending accounts.

Tuition reimbursement, conference stipends, or professional membership dues

Support your employees' continued education by offering tuition reimbursement for job-related coursework or degrees. You can also provide stipends for attending industry conferences or covering professional membership dues, which can help your team stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices in their field.

Mentorship programs or access to online learning platforms

Foster a culture of learning and growth by creating an internal mentorship program that pairs seasoned employees with newer team members. This not only helps with onboarding and skill development but also builds stronger relationships across your organization. Additionally, consider providing access to online learning platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning, which offer a wide range of courses and certifications.

Work-life balance benefits

Employees naturally value benefits that help them achieve a better work-life balance. By offering flexible work arrangements and time off policies, you show your team that you trust them to manage their time and priorities effectively. Here are some unique work-life balance benefits to consider.

Flexible work hours, remote work options, or compressed workweeks

Give your employees more control over their schedules by offering flexible start and end times, the ability to work from home or a coworking space, or the option to compress their workweek into fewer, longer days. This allows them to better manage their personal and professional commitments, whether that's picking up their kids from school, attending a fitness class, or avoiding a long commute.

Paid sabbaticals or extended parental leave

Encourage your employees to take time off to recharge, pursue personal interests, or bond with new children by offering paid sabbaticals or extended parental leave. For example, you could provide a one-month paid sabbatical for every five years of service or offer new parents an additional four weeks of paid leave on top of your standard policy. These benefits show that you value your employees' personal lives and long-term well-being.

Financial benefits

Financial stress can take a toll on your employees' mental health and productivity. By offering unique financial wellness benefits, you can help alleviate some of that stress and show your team that you care about their overall well-being. Consider these options:

Student loan repayment assistance or financial planning services

With the rising cost of education, many employees struggle with student loan debt. Offering a monthly contribution towards their loan payments can make a significant impact on their financial health and enhance their loyalty to your company. You can also provide access to financial planning services or workshops to help your employees manage their money more effectively.

Pet insurance or adoption fee reimbursement

For many people, pets are part of the family. In fact, 62% of Forma customers have “pet services” under their LSA. Show your employees that you understand and value this bond by offering pet insurance as part of your benefits package. This can help cover unexpected veterinary expenses and provide peace of mind. Additionally, consider reimbursing adoption fees for employees who choose to rescue a pet from a shelter or rescue organization.

Benefits of offering unique employee perks

Offering unique employee benefits can make your organization more attractive to top talent and improve employee retention. Candidates are looking for more than just a paycheck. They want to work for companies that align with their values and support their personal and professional growth. Some of the benefits of offering unique perks include the following:

Attract and retain top talent

When you provide non-traditional employee benefits that cater to your employees' unique needs and interests, you differentiate yourself from other employers. Job seekers are more likely to choose your organization over others when they see that you offer perks and benefits that resonate with their lifestyle and aspirations. Additionally, current employees are more likely to stay with your company over the long term when they feel valued and supported.

Boost employee satisfaction and engagement

Unique employee benefits demonstrate that you care about your employees' well-being and personal growth. When your team feels that their employer is invested in their happiness and success, they are more likely to be satisfied with their job and engaged in their work. Engaged employees are more productive, creative, and committed to their roles, which can lead to better business outcomes.

Foster a positive company culture

By offering benefits that prioritize employee needs, you create a supportive and inclusive work environment. When your team feels that their well-being is a top priority, they are more likely to feel a sense of belonging and connection to your organization. This can foster a positive company culture that attracts top talent and encourages collaboration and innovation.

Improve productivity and performance

Unique employee benefits can help reduce stress and burnout by providing resources for self-care and professional development. When your employees have access to wellness programs, mental health support, and learning opportunities, they are better equipped to manage their workload and maintain a healthy work-life balance. As a win-win, this generally leads to improved productivity and performance, as well as lower absenteeism and turnover rates.

How to implement unique employee benefits

Implementing unique employee benefits requires careful planning and execution to ensure you’re meeting your workforce's needs and align with your company's goals and values. Here are some steps you can take to introduce and manage non-traditional perks successfully:

Assess your workforce's needs and preferences

Before implementing any new benefits, take the time to understand what your employees truly want and need. Conduct employee surveys or focus groups to gather feedback on desired benefits and prioritize those that align with your company culture and values. This will help you create a benefits package that resonates with your team and demonstrates your commitment to their well-being.

Set a budget and prioritize offerings

Determine how much you can allocate towards unique employee benefits and prioritize those that will have the greatest impact on employee satisfaction and retention. Consider the cost of each benefit and the potential return on investment in terms of increased productivity, engagement, and loyalty. 

Be transparent about your budget and involve key stakeholders in the decision-making process to ensure buy-in and support.

Communicate the value of non-traditional, flexible, and unique benefits

Once you've selected your unique employee benefits, clearly explain how employees can access and utilize each one. Use multiple communication channels, such as email, intranet, and team meetings, to ensure everyone is aware of the new offerings. Highlight the company's investment in employee well-being and growth, and provide examples of how these benefits can positively impact their personal and professional lives.

Creative ways to offer unique employee benefits on a budget

Offering unique employee benefits doesn't have to break the bank. With a little creativity and strategic thinking, you can provide your team with perks that enhance their well-being and job satisfaction without overspending. Here are some cost-effective ideas to consider.

Partner with local businesses for discounts

One way to offer valuable perks without a significant investment is to negotiate group rates with local businesses. Reach out to gyms, childcare centers, nearby restaurants, or transportation companies to see if they would be willing to provide discounted services for your employees. This not only benefits your team but also supports local businesses and strengthens your community ties.

Partner with a flexible benefits provider

Offering unique employee benefits doesn’t have to break the bank, especially when you partner with a flexible benefits platform provider. These platforms streamline the management of benefits, allowing employers to design cost-effective programs that align with their budget while offering employees the flexibility to choose what matters most to them.

Flexible benefits providers often use innovative funding models, such as notional funding, where employers only pay for the benefits employees use. This eliminates waste associated with inflexible and often underutilized perks like gym memberships or traditional wellness programs. 

By consolidating multiple offerings into a single platform, companies can reduce administrative overhead and maximize the impact of their benefits spend. These platforms also provide valuable insights through analytics and reporting tools, helping organizations understand which benefits employees value the most. This data-driven approach ensures that every dollar spent contributes to employee satisfaction and engagement.

Partnering with a trusted provider like Forma empowers businesses to offer benefits like Lifestyle Spending Accounts (LSAs), professional development funds, and wellness programs —  all tailored to meet diverse employee needs. 

The result is a flexible, modern benefits program that enhances the employee experience without exceeding budget constraints, making it a smart strategy for innovative and cost-conscious organizations.

Offer flexible work arrangements

Flexible work arrangements, such as remote work options or adjustable schedules, are highly valued by employees but often come at little to no cost for employers. By allowing your team to work from home or adapt their hours to accommodate personal needs, you demonstrate trust and support for their work-life balance. This can lead to increased job satisfaction, productivity, and employee retention.

Create an employee rewards & recognition program

Acknowledging your employees' hard work and achievements is a powerful way to boost morale and engagement. Implement an employee recognition program that celebrates milestones, exceptional performance, and contributions to company culture. This can include rewards like gift cards, extra time off, or public acknowledgment in team meetings or company newsletters. 

Provide opportunities for volunteering and community involvement

Encouraging your employees to give back to their community fosters a sense of purpose and connection among your team. Organize group volunteer events during work hours, offer paid time off for charitable work, or consider charitable donation matching. This allows your employees to make a positive impact for their causes and communities while developing leadership and collaboration skills. Plus, it enhances your company's reputation and helps to attract socially conscious and purpose-driven job seekers.

Are unique employee benefits worth the investment?

Investing in unique employee benefits is a strategic move that can make a positive impact on employee satisfaction, engagement, and retention. While these benefits may require thoughtful planning and allocation of resources, the return is significant. 

Personalized benefits like Lifestyle Spending Accounts (LSAs), wellness stipends, and professional development funds show employees they are valued, fostering loyalty and boosting productivity. Additionally, unique benefits can help organizations stand out in competitive job markets, attracting top candidates who prioritize flexibility and a culture of trust and choice.

If you're looking to offer unique and impactful benefits while streamlining complexity and costs, Forma is a flexible benefits platform provider worth considering. Forma’s solution simplifies administration, ensures compliance, and empowers employees with modern, customizable benefits tailored to their needs. Trusted by leading organizations like Instacart, lululemon, and Tripadvisor, Forma delivers flexible benefits solutions that fit your budget, elevate your strategy, and help you achieve greater results.

Ready to take your employee benefits to the next level? Schedule a demo with Forma and discover how to design unique, cost-effective programs that truly make a difference.