The best company benefits are more important than ever in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. For over a year, the crisis has been relentless—and people are exhausted. While vaccines offer hope, they haven’t restored morale. Burnout is sweeping through teams, threatening to cripple businesses just as the world returns to normal. Major employers like Citigroup and Goldman Sachs know that replacing a staff member can cost between 90% and 200% of their salary, so they’re pulling out all the stops with serious work perks. If your firm wants to stay competitive and protect its people, it’s time to do the same.
In March, Citigroup launched “Zoom-Free Fridays” to address video fatigue. CEO Jane Fraser encouraged employees to use their vacation days and announced a second annual company-wide break, “Citi Reset Day,” on May 28. These moves signal a culture shift—away from burnout and toward sustainability.
Goldman Sachs responded to concerns from junior analysts about extreme work conditions by offering lavish wellness benefits. Employees now get their choice of a Peloton with a year-long subscription, a Mirror workout system, or an Apple tech bundle featuring the Apple Watch SE, iPad Air, and AirPods Pro. These perks come in addition to already elevated salaries.
Of course, small and boutique firms can’t match those headline-grabbing benefits—but that doesn’t mean they’re powerless. The best company benefits don’t require luxury budgets. Instead, they build loyalty by showing employees they are cared for and valued. Here are three powerful, practical upgrades you can make today:
Best Company Benefits: Three That Truly Deliver
1. Increased Flexibility
Flexible scheduling is one of the best company benefits you can offer. Remote work alone isn’t flexibility. If employees are required to keep strict 9-to-5 hours at home, they’re juggling both personal and professional demands in the same space. Flexibility lets them shift their schedules to meet family needs and then return to their work with full focus. This promotes productivity, balance, and mental clarity.
2. Health Insurance and Related Support
The pandemic reminded everyone that jobs are more than paychecks—they’re safety nets. Enhancing your health coverage, especially with mental health support, shows employees you understand their needs. Expand related benefits like childcare assistance and life insurance. These additions will make your firm more attractive and dramatically boost retention.
3. Curated Voluntary Best Company Benefits
Voluntary benefits are a budget-friendly way to show appreciation. Start by asking your team what they truly value. You could offer group rates on optional insurance packages or allow employees to convert a portion of their paid time off into cash. When chosen carefully, voluntary perks cost you nothing but leave a lasting impact.
Fostering Culture Beyond Traditional Best Company Benefits
The best company benefits don’t always look like perks on paper. Empowering leadership, open communication, and a values-driven culture can have as much of an impact as a fitness subsidy. When your team feels respected and supported, they show up not just to work, but to grow with you. The true win is creating an environment where employees thrive because of who they work with, not just what they’re paid.
Want to take this further? Learn about Hiring & Empowering’s 66-Day Law Firm Turnaround program. You can also schedule a qualifier call with me to explore whether your firm qualifies.
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Written by Molly Hall McGrath