Employee Benefits Versus Employee Perks

June 16, 2023by mycalchoice

If you were to ask your employees about the benefits and perks they get through your organization, you may get different answers. Let’s look at each and discuss the advantages of offering both.

Employee Benefits

For two decades, MetLife has produced an annual report examining what employees want. The 2022 MetLife study confirmed “that today’s workers, to a greater extent than in the past, expect employers to recognize the importance of their lives inside and outside of work.”

Employees expectations of their employers are on the rise. That includes purposeful work, expanded leave, flexible working hours, and comprehensive benefits.

A broad benefits mix is what employees want. Nearly three-quarters (73%) told MetLife a wider array of benefits would make them stay longer with their employer. Offering benefit choices helps employees and drives higher retention.

Here are some popular options, most of which are already available through CaliforniaChoice:

  • Health/medical insurance
  • Prescription drugs
  • Ancillary insurance (Dental, Vision, Life)
  • 401(k) or other retirement planning program
  • An Employee Assistance Program
  • Health Savings Account
  • Premium Only Plan
  • Flexible Spending Accounts

Employee Perks

The employment recruitment site Indeed.com says employee perks often include:

  • Flexible work hours
  • Unlimited paid time off
  • Gym memberships
  • Extended parental leave
  • Stocked fridge or pantry or occasional free lunch delivery
  • Company-sponsored events
  • Paid volunteer days
  • Educational opportunities
  • Remote work options
  • Employee recognition programs

You can outline how employees can use their perks in your employee handbook.

Finding What Works for You

Benefits are often described as necessary to recruit and retain employees. You’ve already taken a step in the right direction by offering CaliforniaChoice.

Employee perks are “icing on the cake” that can further persuade a candidate to come on board or influence an employee to stay longer. Find what works for you and revisit your offerings regularly to stay up to date with current trends.

Group Health Insurance Questions – FAQ Guide

Here's just a preview of what you'll find inside:
  • Common questions from businesses like yours about group health insurance and the CaliforniaChoice program
  • Answers to questions about managing the cost of offering health insurance coverage
  • Information on group health insurance eligibility and requirements
  • Insights on the benefits of offering group health coverage
  • Tips for allowing your employees to pick a health plan that works best for their needs