As a hiring agency specializing in commercial printing, graphic communications, packaging, mailing, and warehousing, we understand the unique challenges of attracting and retaining talent, especially for roles that must be performed on-site. Offering innovative and appealing employee benefits can make all the difference in recruiting and retaining top-tier talent for these positions.
We dived into PTO, paid sick leave, and flexible benefits in this post. When your company wants to go beyond the basics, consider these fresh and interesting benefits to entice and reward workers in our industries.
1. Flexible Scheduling for On-Site Workers
While remote work may not be possible for positions like press operators, forklift drivers, or warehouse associates, companies can still offer flexibility through shift swapping, staggered start times, and compressed workweeks. Allowing employees to choose or trade shifts can help balance work-life responsibilities, reduce burnout, and increase overall job satisfaction.
Consider this: Offering the option to work four 10-hour shifts instead of the traditional five-day week provides more days off without reducing their income is a viable innovative employee benefit.
2. Transportation and Commute Assistance
Transportation can be a major concern for employees who are required to be on-site, especially if the facility is located far from urban centers or public transportation routes. Companies can introduce benefits such as fuel stipends, carpool incentives, or even company-sponsored shuttle services to ease the commute.
Consider this: Offer a daily shuttle service from a nearby city to ensure hourly workers can easily get to work on time without the stress of driving long distances.
3. Health and Wellness Support
Physical work in packaging, mailing, and warehousing can be demanding. Offering health and wellness employee benefits tailored to these roles can significantly impact worker well-being. Beyond standard health insurance, benefits like on-site fitness centers, mental health resources, or ergonomic workplace adjustments can keep employees healthy and engaged.
Consider this: Provide on-site physical therapy consultations or ergonomic assessments for press operators who spend long hours standing or lifting heavy materials. Bring in a massage therapist for monthly chair massages.
4. Educational Assistance and Career Development Programs
Full-time workers often have limited access or time to create career advancement opportunities. Providing pathways for skill development or tuition assistance for relevant certifications can help employees grow within the company. Apprenticeship programs, mentorship, and financial support for pursuing certifications in machine operation, logistics, or management as an example can help retain motivated talent.
Consider this: Offer a program that helps associates gain certifications in a specialty, allowing them to advance into supervisory roles.
5. Child Care Assistance
Finding reliable childcare is a constant struggle for many employees, especially those working mandatory on-site shifts. Companies can ease this burden by providing on-site childcare, subsidizing daycare costs, or offering backup childcare services for unexpected situations.
Consider this: Offer an on-site daycare facility with extended hours to accommodate parents working non-traditional shifts, such as overnight or weekends.
6. Paid Volunteer Days
Engaging in community service not only boosts morale but also strengthens team dynamics. Offering paid volunteer days allows employees to contribute to their communities without using their personal vacation days, which is particularly appealing for workers who may have a limited amount of time off.
Consider this: Provide employees two paid days a year to volunteer or complete a service project, enhancing their connection to the community while promoting teamwork. Some companies offer incentives beyond that, raffling-off prizes to employees who use all their volunteer service hours.
7. Profit Sharing or Stock Options
While traditionally reserved for white-collar roles, profit-sharing or stock options can be powerful motivators for on-site workers. Including these benefits allows employees to have a direct stake in the company’s success, fostering a sense of ownership and loyalty.
Consider this: Implement a profit-sharing model that could create increased productivity and commitment as workers feel more invested in the company’s long-term success.
8. Expanded Time-Off Policies
In addition to standard vacation time, companies can offer expanded paid time off (PTO) policies, including mental health days, floating holidays, or additional PTO for long-term employees. A generous PTO policy encourages employees to rest and recharge, ultimately improving productivity and retention.
Consider this: Offer a “wellness week” for employees who have been with the company for five years or more, giving them an extra paid week off each year.
9. Financial Wellness Programs
Offering support beyond a paycheck can make a big difference in employees’ financial well-being. Financial literacy workshops, student loan repayment programs, and employer-matched savings plans help employees manage their finances and reduce stress, making them more focused and engaged at work.
Consider this: Introduce a financial counseling benefit to help hourly workers manage budgets, save for home ownership, or tackle student loan debt.
10. Recognition and Reward Systems
A culture of recognition can boost morale and motivation, especially in roles that may otherwise feel overlooked. Regular recognition, whether through an employee of the month program, peer-nominated awards, or performance-based bonuses, shows appreciation for hard work.
Consider this: Introduce a reward system where employees receive points for hitting production targets, which can be redeemed for cash bonuses, gift cards, or extra time off.
Here’s an additional section if you just want to add it in, and below that is a link to the full piece with the section added in:
11. Bereavement Leave and Support
Losing a loved one is a deeply challenging time for anyone, especially employees working on-site in physically demanding roles. Offering bereavement leave and emotional support as part of your benefits package shows compassion and empathy toward your workforce. A thoughtful bereavement policy allows employees to take the time they need to process their grief without the added stress of work-related responsibilities.
Consider this: Offer paid bereavement leave that includes flexible time-off options based on the relationship to the deceased, alongside resources like grief counseling or access to employee assistance programs (EAPs) to support emotional well-being during difficult times.
Attracting and retaining talent in industries like commercial printing, packaging, mailing, and warehousing requires thinking outside the box when it comes to employee benefits. Companies can foster a loyal, motivated, and engaged workforce by offering tailored, innovative benefits that address the specific challenges of on-site work. Whether it’s flexible scheduling, transportation assistance, or career development opportunities, these benefits not only improve the employee experience but also contribute to the organization’s overall success.