5 home office benefits: how to promote equal treatment

It is no longer a secret that a good salary is not the only decisive factor for many employees when choosing a job. Companies know they need to offer more in order to retain talent in the long term and attract new colleagues. A good working atmosphere and opportunities for work-life balance matter to many people.

Benefits as a solution for employee retention

What is needed are strong benefits – attractive perks that companies offer their employees on top of their salary and that set them apart from the competition. Free drinks at work, a mobility allowance, on-site childcare or team events – there are many options. But most of them have one thing in common: they favour employees who work on site. Free fruit and drinks won't entice colleagues who live and work hundreds of kilometres away in their home office. Yet many benefits can be transferred to the home office quite easily.

Why employers should offer home office benefits

The trend toward working from home keeps growing. Almost a quarter of all employees in Germany now work from home at least part-time. Young employees and parents in particular value the option to better combine work with leisure and family. Employers who offer flexible home office options become especially attractive to these groups.

It also promotes equal treatment: if home office employees are ignored when selecting benefits, a large part of the workforce loses access to perks. This creates an imbalance and the feeling that only on-site work is rewarded.

4 benefits that really pay off for home office employees

1. Save with employee discount platforms

Many companies grant their staff discounts on their own products. On a benefits platform like Benefits.me, which is free for companies, employees can register and access exclusive discounts on attractive brands – in online shops, on event tickets and on local leisure offers.

2. Digital learning and development

Equal treatment only exists when everyone has the same access to knowledge. Record internal trainings and make them available on the intranet. With access to e-learning platforms, mentoring programs and online seminars, learning can happen anytime, anywhere.

3. Sports and fitness offers of choice

The on-site company gym is no benefit for home office employees. Instead of prescribing one fixed offer, let your employees choose a membership themselves – gym, swimming pool or climbing hall. That way you genuinely support their health, fitness and motivation.

4. Equivalent equipment in the home office

Working from home should not be a disadvantage. Ergonomic workplaces and equivalent technology must be a baseline for ALL employees. Monthly or annual budgets for home office equipment enable healthy, productive work at home – tailored to individual needs. Learn more about our products and services.

Conclusion

Home office employees should not be put at a disadvantage – their work deserves the same attractive perks. Options that let employees choose freely and independent of location are often the strongest benefit of all.

More information

Want to learn how to sustainably promote the health of your employees in the home office? Get in touch or explore our HR Glossary.