When it comes to employee benefits, the most obvious perks include health care, TPO, car allowance, college tuition, and commuting options. If you offer some or all of these benefits, you’re off to a good start. The only problem is, that every other business will also offer them, and then some. So how can you stand out from the noise and distinguish your benefits plan?

Enter niche benefits.

These are lesser known benefits that few other companies offer, but they add great value to the lives of your employees and can convince them to stay for long with your company. Here are 6 top niche employee benefits you should consider offering in 2019.

1. Adoption Assistance Benefits

As the name suggests, adoption assistance is an employer sponsored program that reimburses and assists employees in adopting a child. They may also provide paid or unpaid leave. Top companies that offer these benefits include Amazon and Microsoft, of course due to their sheer net worth, they can afford to offer complete reimbursement for their adoption programs.

2. Annual Flu Shots

Flu vaccination can play an important role in reducing the risk of flu associated hospitalization of young and old adults, and even children. Unscheduled absenteeism costs roughly $3600 per year for hourly workers. It’s obvious how damaging absenteeism can be to the bottom line. Annual flu shots can be worth every penny invested in the program.

3. Accidental Death Coverage

Sudden deaths can occur without any warning or indication. The last thing a person wants is for their family life to fall into shambles because they’re no longer available for support. Accidental death is usually less expensive than other forms of life insurance.

4. Equity Incentive Plans

This is a tough one because it’s not easy giving away equity in the business itself. Yet equities can play a far more stronger role in incentivizing employees to improve their productivity and stay with the company for the long haul. A stipulation might be added, requiring employees to work a certain number of years to earn stock options.

If this is not a viable option, larger companies offer discounted stock programs to its employees. This allows employees to buy shares at a discounted price. The discounts can be proportional to their performance for the year.

5. Free Beer at Work

Host a free beer day once a week, preferably on a Friday, for obvious reasons. It’s a great way to unwind and relieve stress. Plus, it could be something they look forward to on a regular basis. Bonus points if you let them wear casual clothes to the office on a Friday. Free beer days should be hosted on the last working day of the week, which in many cases is a Friday.

6. Free Housing

This exclusive benefit is only offered by top companies like Facebook. Their budget allows them to absorb the cost of free housing.

Want to offer niche benefits to your employees? At JS Benefits Group, we help you select the best employee benefits without breaking the bank. Customized solutions and dedicated support are some of the perks of doing business with us. Click here to learn more.