Top Employee Benefits That Matter For Job-seekers During COVID-19

The COVID-19 outbreak has disrupted the corporate world. Due to this sudden digital transformation, organisations are now looking for potential candidates who are technically sound and capable of performing complex tasks using web-based tools and software.

However, there is another side to this story too. Even after high unemployment rates, job seekers have now become more selective about their employers. This pandemic has made them realise that being healthy and happy is more important than money. So, they are no longer looking only for high salary packages while applying for jobs. They want their employers to provide perks and benefits that are actually meaningful and add some worth to their lives.

Offering attractive employee benefits and perks was crucial even in the pre-pandemic world. However, it has now become even more important. Therefore, in this blog, we will help you understand some of the top employee benefits that matter for job seekers in these difficult times.

1. Effective training and development programmes

Due to the cutthroat competition that is currently prevailing in the market, candidates are picking employers that are interested in developing and upskilling their employees. Thus, in order to attract top talent, organisations should start investing in effective training and development programs for their workforce. This not only helps in attracting new employees but also in retaining the existing ones.

Many managers are also introducing various eLearning tools such as LMSs or training software for employees in their organisation. 

2. Health Benefits

‘Health is wealth’ and this pandemic has proved it right. However, in addition to this, it has also made us realise the importance of having a comprehensive financial plan to meet any unexpected medical crisis in place. Therefore, the already popular health benefits like medical covers, life insurance or health insurance have now become all the more important.

Even in a pandemic free world offering health benefits is one of the simplest but most effective ways to attract new talent. Such benefits can also deliver a range of other positive effects like increasing productivity, boosting morale, and creating a positive work culture for existing employees.

3. Flexibility

Due to COVID 19, everyone is working from home, but it does not mean that everyone can be available for work 24*7. Thus, during these difficult times, candidates are demanding flexible work schedules, which allow them to work as and when they feel comfortable and productive. This helps them in maintaining a perfect work-life balance and take some time out to take care of themselves and their families.

4. Lenient leave system

This pandemic has created a depressing situation all around the globe. No family has been able to stay unaffected by this deadly virus. Job seekers, therefore, are looking for employers to promise leniency while granting leaves so that they can take a break from work and support their families in case any medical emergency or other unfortunate event takes place. So, as an employer, you can also include the provision of lenient leaves in your list of employee benefits.

Recently, many organisations have also started to offer ‘wellness leaves’ to their employees. These leaves are granted to help employees relax and spend some quality time with their family members. This is also a great way to motivate your workforce and improve its productivity.

5. Compensation

Last but not the least, compensation is also one of the most attractive employee benefits. Though during this pandemic job seekers have started to look far and beyond the ‘compensation’ aspect of a job, it is still a major game-changer.

Every person has certain financial obligations. Therefore, they want employers to offer them a salary that is worth the time, energy and efforts that they are expected to put in. So, while devising a compensation structure for a specific post, organisations should keep in mind the roles and responsibility that they are attaching to that post. This will allow them to make an offer that the candidate can’t refuse.

Conclusion

Though the ones mentioned above are some of the top benefits that job-seekers are attracted to, organisations should design a comprehensive employee benefit plan that also includes some industry-specific perks.