There are plenty a company can do to improve their company culture, but which ones are the most effective? When you are executing your job search, think about what company culture means to you. Does installing a ping pong or foosball table promote a happier place? Or does it promote greater efficiency within the workforce? Companies like Google are a magnet for a reason, as people explore what it means to be happy in the workplace. 

Here are the most effective for employees and why:

1. Flexiwork

As the pandemic has caused the working world to shift gears, the traditional 9 to 5 may no longer be standard. Work schedules are being modernised to match these unprecedented times. This could mean trusting your employees more to work remotely, whether from home or a coffee shop. It can also mean trusting your employees to finish their work as they see fit by a certain deadline. Flexibility can inspire better work.

Or explore this Dutch company that promotes work-life balance. Disappearing desks are built into the office to keep employees from overworking.

2. Change of Scenery

It is good to get out of the office or house — for that matter. As work from home continues in some companies around the world, getting out and about can help. Employees might be distracted on Zoom calls and tuning out. Brainstorming sessions may become mundane or a chore. Freshen things up by meeting up face-to-face where social distancing allows. But choose somewhere different. Is it nice out? Meet outside in the park on a grassy lawn or at a coffee shop. Mix it up once a week and see the difference.

3. Sponsor Meals

Make eating times more fun by catering meals for employees. Change eat to live, to live to eat with a generous meal once a month. You can implement morning bagels or pastries for morning meetings every quarter. Or host a lunch and learn session with an internal or external speaker. The beauty of this is otherwise also known as lunch and learn. Broaden your horizons while employees indulge in a nice hearty meal.

4. Volunteer Days

This is particularly popular among millennials that are increasingly exploring the meaning of happiness. Giving back to communities and people in need can be a great way to get employees feeling good. Good about themselves and also proud to be working for their company. Gratitude via taking paid work days off to do volunteer work can improve morale. Try implementing different volunteer days every quarter, such as Soap Cycling.

5. Health & Wellbeing

As part of work-life balance, looking after one's health can be difficult. Taking time out to do exercise can also feel like a chore that one doesn't have time for. By integrating some activities in the workplace, the community can become closer together. This also helps with mental health as well as physical health.

Host an annual run for charity where every kilometer equates to a certain amount of donation. Companies can use an app like Strava to track their running distance. They can even offer to double the amount at the end of the competition. 

More costly but equally effective measures include massages, napping rooms, and zen spaces for meditation at work.

6. Friendly Competitions

There's nothing like a little friendly competition. Hold quarterly, bi-annual or annual competitions that can motivate employees. Incentives don't have to just be monetary. Not all people are motivated by money. You could offer up a gift to win, such as an iPad or even an experience such as those offered by Spoilt. Prizes can go a long way. 

The Bottom Line

It can be difficult to find a balance between perks. The above are suggestions for ways in which companies can increase productivity. Placing employee happiness and motivation at the fore doesn't have to be expensive. There is a mix of cost-effective and more timely measures for everyone. Try to implement one or two of these and watch as you get back what you put out.

Keep reading to discover trends in employee benefits in 2021.