Creative Benefits for Your Small Business

A lot of ink has been spilled in an effort to explain the mindset of the millennial generation, and they often get a bad rap for being a little needy or feeling entitled to accolades they didn't earn. This tech-savvy generation is now starting to hit age 30, and that puts them in the prime of their working lives. They're seeking careers now instead of just jobs, so what should a small business do to attract them? Maybe some of these creative benefits will help.

Younger job seekers are looking for a great work environment, not just a paycheck. That's great news for small- to medium-sized businesses and startups. If you get creative about what you offer, you can build a culture that sells itself.

Try these morale-boosting benefits to make your existing employees happier and attract new recruits:

Flex Fridays

Today's job seekers are looking for a better work-life balance than their parents had, and you can help simply by being flexible. Flex Fridays that let employees work from home if they want is a great way to provide some freedom. You could also consider flex time that allows employees to choose their own set of hours, coming in early or staying late as best suits their needs. Strike a balance that offers some flexibility while still meeting your needs, and everyone wins.

Discounted Memberships

You might not be able to build an office with a gym as they do in Silicon Valley, but some creative partnerships could allow you to offer a discounted membership to a local gym. Extend this plan to an art museum, golf course, or favorite eatery, and you've got a way to show your employees your appreciation without breaking the budget. As a bonus, you'll build great relationships within your local business community as well.

Charitable Giving as a Creative Benefit

Younger workers are very savvy about what's going on in the world, and they want to do good. Think about offering at least a small matching donation for their favorite charities as a benefit of employment. You'll get the tax write-off, and they'll feel great about working for a socially conscious business.

As a small business, you might not have the budget to offer six-figure salaries, but that doesn't mean you can't entice great workers with some creative ideas. Keep in mind the desire for flexibility, social consciousness, and collaboration instead of competition, and you should be able to find some excellent perks to offer new hires to bring them on board.