The Power of a Great Benefits Package (or How Extra Perks Can Make a Big Difference!)

We started working with a lovely new client this month, and I asked what their company benefits are. She said she would send me a copy of them.

I thought, ok, surely there aren’t that many…

But oh, how wrong I was.

Five pages. FIVE! Pages of company benefits. From the standard pension and generous annual leave that increases each year (great news for us travel peeps) to up to five duvet days a year. Yes, duvet days! The kind of perk that tells you, “We get it, sometimes you just need a nap and Netflix.”

There were also loads of other thoughtful touches - the kind of things that make you feel like someone, somewhere in HR, actually sat down and said: “How do we make our people’s lives better?”

And honestly, that’s what struck me the most. It wasn’t just about the benefits themselves (although I’ll never say no to extra days off). It was the fact that this particular business took the time to create a document for their staff, to put everything together in one place and say, “Here’s what we offer because we care.”

It shows effort. It shows intention. It shows that the company values its people enough to think beyond the payslip.

Now, I totally get that not every business has a huge pot of money to splash around and that’s ok! Not all great benefits come with a big price tag. Sometimes it’s the small, thoughtful gestures that make all the difference.

Here are a few low-cost (but high-impact) ideas that can go a long way:

• 🕒 Flexible working hours – because real life isn’t that easy.
• ☕ Coffee or breakfast catch-ups – a little social time that boosts morale (and caffeine levels).
• 🧁 Birthday treats or an early finish – surely everyone loves to feel a bit special on their birthday?!
• 🏆 Employee of the Month – simple, low-cost (a small voucher or treat if you have the budget), but surprisingly powerful.
• 🎓 Learning time – an hour or two a month for personal or professional development.
• 🐶 Pet-friendly policies (even if it’s just WFH with the dog - or, in my case, the bunnies!) – instant serotonin boost.
• 🎧 ‘No meetings’ afternoons – give people a breather to actually get things done.

These small touches can add up to a workplace where people genuinely want to be. And really, that’s the magic of a good benefits package - it’s not just about the perks; it’s about the message behind them.

So maybe it’s time to dust off your employee handbook, brew a strong coffee, and ask yourself: what can we do to make our people feel valued? It doesn’t have to be five pages long… but it might just be five ideas that make all the difference.

We’ve got loads more ideas and thoughts on making benefits brilliant 💡 Get in touch with us today: hello@geckotravelrecruitment or follow us on LinkedIn.