However, there are other benefits that can be incredibly useful! Here are some great workplace benefits that you might want to take advantage of:
Discounts – Many employers offer discounts on products and services to their employees. These can range from small discounts on everyday items like movie tickets to larger discounts on bigger purchases like vacations and new cars.
Life insurance – Most companies offer some form of life insurance to their employees at little or no cost. Life insurance can provide peace of mind in knowing that your loved ones will be taken care of financially if something happens to you. Coverage amounts differ from employer to employer, so depending on your needs, you may want to consider additional coverage, potentially in the form of term life insurance.
Flexible work hours – Flexible work hours or flextime allows employees to start and end their workday at different times outside the traditional 9-to-5 hours. For example, you might choose to work from 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. This can be a great benefit if you have young children or other commitments.
Tuition reimbursement – Some companies offer to reimburse their employees for tuition expenses incurred while taking courses related to their job. This can be an excellent way to further your education at little or no cost.
Mentoring programs – Mentoring programs can be a great way to learn from more experienced workers and develop your skills. These programs also allow more senior employees to share their knowledge and expertise with someone eager to learn.
Retirement savings plans – It’s easy to forget about the contributions you make to your tax-advantaged retirement accounts—the money goes into an account you most likely won’t access until you retire. But retirement savings plans, such as 401(k)s, can be a great way to build your nest egg for retirement. Plenty of companies also match employee contributions up to a certain percentage.
Volunteer days – Some companies offer paid days off to employees who volunteer their time with approved organizations; they may even organize group trips. Volunteer days can give employees time away from work to clear their heads and are a great way to give back to the community.
Summer Fridays – Many employers participate in summer Fridays, which allow employees to take half days or have every Friday or every other Friday during the summer. This is a great benefit if you enjoy having long weekends to relax or travel.