What 'healthy' company benefits would you value most?

SueC_2

I used to work somewhere that provided free fruit for all employees.

Oh the arguments that there were over bananas, it seems EVERYONE likes bananas, and there were never enough bananas to go round, and the same people used to arrive early to nab the bananas, and everyone else did nothing but moan about the lack of bananas. Not a single word of gratitude for having free fruit in the first place.

As the manager responsible for it all, I can't tell you where I often wanted to stick those chuffin' bananas!!!!

Savvy_Sue

SueC wrote: »

I used to work somewhere that provided free fruit for all employees.

Oh the arguments that there were over bananas, it seems EVERYONE likes bananas, and there were never enough bananas to go round, and the same people used to arrive early to nab the bananas, and everyone else did nothing but moan about the lack of bananas. Not a single word of gratitude for having free fruit in the first place.

As the manager responsible for it all, I can't tell you where I often wanted to stick those chuffin' bananas!!!!

:rotfl:Actually I can tell you that NOT everyone likes bananas, someone once left a banana skin in the office bin over the weekend, and our manager nearly went ballistic because she absolutely loathed bananas and the smell nearly made her throw up.

But that's a bit extreme.

However DH is slightly allergic to them!

SueC_2

Savvy_Sue wrote: »

:rotfl:Actually I can tell you that NOT everyone likes bananas, someone once left a banana skin in the office bin over the weekend, and our manager nearly went ballistic because she absolutely loathed bananas and the smell nearly made her throw up.

But that's a bit extreme.

However DH is slightly allergic to them!

I'm completely with your manager... everyone who works with me KNOWS to come nowhere near me with a banana. I can fully identify with the smell bringing on a heart-felt retch.

Which made the whole banana-gate episode even more ironic!

edrushuk

I like the free fruit idea,

What about twice a week lunch time exercise classes. I used to love going to the gym during my lunch hours, got rid of the stress from the morning. Stopped me going to the shops and wasting money. Obviously this only works if your company lets you have your lunch at your desk and doesn't mind people coming back a little late after changing.

Susanna

PS sounds like a great company.

kr15snw

Past things Ive had...

Showers in work (we were happy to cycle in then)
Free water (not from a tap, but water cooler or bottled stuff)
Free fruit

If it's office or labour based work I would reccomend a subsidised massage / chiropractor. I've been working on computers for 5 years and my back is screwed. I REALLY need to see a chiropractor but can't afford it

Oooh and the pedometer competition thing, LOVE IT! I love a bit of competition in work

santacruz_2

Wow, I'd like to know what company this is that actually cares about their staff!

I would love to work for a company who gave me flexible working hours, that is more important than money for me. I also thought if I ever had a business I would give my employees their birthdays off, paid of course. But that would only work if it was a small business with a few people.

bitsandpieces

kr15snw wrote: »

If it's office or labour based work I would reccomend a subsidised massage / chiropractor. I've been working on computers for 5 years and my back is screwed. I REALLY need to see a chiropractor but can't afford it

Can you not see your GP and ask for a physio referral - free on the NHS Assuming you're well enough to exercise safely, keeping active can also be very good for back pain.

julie2710

I Currently work for a company that offers -

Free Health Insurance
Eyecare Vouchers
Subsidised gym membership
Cycle to work scheme
Chilcare vouchers
Counselling service

I used to have free dental insurance with a prior company and do miss that. it didn't encourage me to go to the dentist because I do anyway, it just meant that I got back any money I paid for it:D

Things like free fruit etc don't help me because I'm not office based. I like the idea of an extra coule of days off a year! A family day again would be nice but as we have employees in across the entire UK logistically that would be a bit of a nightmare!

How about holiday vouchers? or vouchers to spend on attractions during the holidays? Anything that will put money in your pockets without adding to government coffers is useful! I get bonus but tbh by the time the tax man has his share it's hardly noticeable.

I read someone who had negotiated a deal with retailers to provide gift vouchers so that they could be given to employees instead of cash payments. If these could be for things I need to buy on a regular basis that would reduce my overall stress levels on managing my finances!

Jacka87

cycle to work scheme would do it for me! Would help with health by increasing execise and getting some fresh air. Would need some cycle spaces set up and also a shower or something but would defo be a thumbs up for me!!

I would also suggest that the company considers an Occupational Health scheme. My company has an OC health department and it allows people to go see them when ever their is any health issues, like a mini gp without having to take time of work to get the info. They even offer physio which can be used for both work related injuries and eh my non work related football injuries ;-) defo a good idea as it allows people to get minor issues sorted without needing to really rush around to get to a gp to then rush back to work on ur lunch break etc!