Bring Your Company Perks to the Next Level: Great Benefits, Retreats Don't Have to Be a Hassle

One of the major functions of human resources is not just to hire people, but also to develop the types of programs and benefits that keep them happy at work. Benefits both tangible and intangible can create a more pleasant and productive work environment for everyone, but HR departments are often challenged to find the time and budget to develop engaging programs and perks.

At the Boston Ski & Sports Club, we see this situation time and again: HR representatives who have spearheaded successful "casual" soccer leagues, but are now stuck trying to find other company teams to come out and play, or staffers on the phone with towns and cities, trying to get field permits so their company can develop a softball league. Many HR departments are adept at working with caterers, developing curriculum for corporate retreats, or have gym sales people on speed dial, all in the name of providing an outstanding perks program on top of standard benefits.

As you ring in 2012, make a resolution to find a better way to do things. There are many wonderful programs that provide events designed specifically for corporations of all sizes, and leaving it up to the experts can often save time and money while actually creating a better program for employees. Check out these great alternatives to traditional benefits and retreats.

• Out of the (Gym) Box Discounts: If you listen to your employees' water cooler chatter for the first few months of the year, you may notice increased complaints about the crowdedness of their gym. If your company subsidizes gym memberships or has received a group gym discount, consider providing alternatives. Many companies in Boston will provide a discount to your employees at no cost to the company itself. At the BSSC for example, any company that signs up for our free corporate benefits program can pass along a substantial discount on BSSC membership to their employees.
  
  
• Rock the Company Outing: If your company retreat has gotten bland or boring in recent years, it's time to spice it up. Consider finding an activity that few employees will be familiar with, and allowing them to learn it together. Indoor rock climbing, like that offered at the Boston Rock Gym, takes the idea of a "trust fall" to a new level. Because staffers at indoor rock gyms are experienced with company outings, they not only take care of the logistics, but also provide safe and encouraging instruction that will boost the confidence and camaraderie of your staff.
  
  
• Warming Up the Winter: In New England, many of us hibernate when the snow begins to fall. While your company may host warm weather events, the social scene at most corporations begins to deflate once the holiday party has passed. One way to provide year-round outing and retreat options to your employees is through group ski trips. Whether you're actually paying for a trip or just want to give employees the option to travel, ski and ride together while saving money on transportation, lift tickets, equipment and lessons. Many group travel or ski companies provide options and coordinate logistics for you.
  
  
• Cruising Your Way to a Corporate Retreat: Any meeting where corporate retreat options are being brainstormed includes at least one mention of a cruise around Boston Harbor. It's not a bad event for a warm summer night, but how about kicking it up a notch by teaching employees a new skill and giving them a chance to work together to learn it? Companies like Boston's Courageous Sailing provide sailing outings that include equipment, instruction, and a barbeque on the beach afterwards. It's the perfect combination of activity and relaxing, and it provides something for everyone.
  
  
• Year-Round Engagement: Your company may provide regular yearly or quarterly employee retreats for employees, often to help build their teamwork skills. But regular interaction in a more natural setting can be effective in doing this as well. You can find sports leagues that play both indoors and out, year round, throughout New England. By linking up with a company that specializes in leagues, the pressure is off you to schedule games, find competitors or reserve playing space.

So while planning your corporate outings and benefits program for 2012 and beyond, think outside the box. Remember that great programs don't have to cost a fortune or take an incredible amount of your time away from other HR pursuits. Think of your company as a group with buying power and ask organizations what types of discounts you can pass along to your employees as a larger group.

Ask your employees what they like to do outside of work, and try to find programs that fit into their interests while bringing them outside their comfort zone. This gives you a chance to build their confidence, their teamwork, and their communications skills—all essential assets for a great company makeup.

 
About the Author:
Nancy McGeoghegan is the Sales and Marketing Manager for the Boston Ski & Sports Club. Reach her at nancy@bssc.com.