In today's job market, talented employees are in high demand, and the old ways of recruiting and nurturing employees need to evolve. In many ways, the pandemic only accelerated a trend that was already in motion in terms of the expectations of employees. The internet and technology have given rise to a truly global workforce. Teams can collaborate across time zones from different points on the globe, bringing new values and opportunities to the forefront.Take your average job in publishing, for example. In years past, a large, regional publisher was the only option for many workers in that field, but the rise of digital publishing and remote workflows means that prospective employees can work from anywhere that has a strong WiFi connection. They have more options, and with more choice comes great expectations. And this is just one industry.“Today, employees expect more than just a competitive salary. They want a culture of care, they want to be engaged, they have expectations of their employers — and a comprehensive employee benefits package that includes perks like life insurance, a wellbeing programme and flexible work arrangements are just some of the ways employers are delivering,” says YuLife VP of Marketing, Lauren Berkemeyer. “What’s more, when choosing an employer many workers are also looking for an organisation that shares their values and provides them with a supportive work environment.” Depending on the generation, the environmental and social impact of a business may matter.But how do you deliver on the elusive employee engagement and culture of care so critical to attraction and retention?Employee Engagement “Engagement is key,” says Lauren. “You can provide as many incentives as you like, but if they’re not being used, you aren’t going to achieve your results.” We all know moving more, eating healthier and sleeping soundly will positively impact our health. It’s not new to the business world either. The health and wellbeing of staff is known to directly impact company performance — which is why many have employee wellness programmes, and are trying to cultivate a workplace culture that will help them attract and retain talent, reduce absenteeism and increase productivity. But largely, they’re not succeeding or seeing the benefits. Studies are showing a low average of engagement with existing health and wellbeing programmes. So how do you get your employees engaged with the benefits you’re offering?This is where your employee benefits package comes into its own. By providing benefits that people actually value and use can provide that extra edge that sets you apart from other organisations when it comes to recruitment. The beautiful thing is: it can also save your business money in the long run. “Don’t underestimate the power of having employee benefits that are easy-to-access, utilised, and valued by your team members,” says Lauren.6 perks that most employees wantWith this in mind, here are some ways you can leverage your employee benefits to attract and retain top talent. 1. Group Life InsuranceGroup Life Insurance is a cornerstone of an attractive employee benefits package, especially in South Africa's dynamic job market. It offers peace of mind by providing financial security to employees' families in the event of an untimely death. By including Group Life Insurance in your benefits portfolio, you can demonstrate a commitment to your employees' wellbeing, extending beyond the workplace. This not only enhances a company's reputation as a caring employer but also plays a crucial role in attracting and retaining top talent. Employees value the security of knowing their loved ones will be financially protected, making this benefit a key differentiator in the competitive job market.2. Critical Illness InsuranceCritical Illness Insurance is another essential component of a comprehensive employee benefits package. In the face of rising healthcare costs in South Africa, this insurance offers a lump sum payment if an employee is diagnosed with a specified critical illness. This financial support can be invaluable in covering medical expenses, lifestyle adjustments or even lost income during recovery. Offering Critical Illness Insurance as part of employee benefits showcases an employer’s investment in their staff’s health and financial security. This not only aids in attracting quality talent but also in building a resilient and supported workforce, ready to face life's unexpected challenges.3. Group Income ProtectionGroup Income Protection is a vital benefit in today’s employment landscape, particularly in South Africa where job security is a significant concern for many. This insurance ensures that employees are provided with a regular income if they are unable to work due to illness or injury. By offering this protection, employers can alleviate one of the major stressors in their employees' lives: the fear of financial instability due to health-related work absences. This kind of support fosters a strong employer-employee bond, enhances job satisfaction and positions a company as a preferred employer that genuinely cares about its employees' financial wellbeing.4. Lump Sum Disability InsuranceLump Sum Disability Insurance is becoming an increasingly popular benefit in the South African employment market. This insurance provides a one-time payment to employees who suffer from a permanent disability due to an accident or illness. The lump sum can be used to cover various needs, such as medical treatments, home modifications or financial support during the transition period. Offering Lump Sum Disability Insurance as part of your employee benefits package underlines your commitment to your team’s long-term wellbeing and instils a sense of security among employees, knowing they have a safety net in the face of life's uncertainties.5. Wellbeing programmesWellbeing programmes are becoming increasingly popular in the workplace, and the gamified YuLife Employee App uses fun, daily wellbeing challenges to drive market-leading levels of engagement within the teams that use it: 80% highly engaged app users, 5x EAP engagement and with 85% feeling more productive as a result of using the YuLife app (YuLife Pulse survey 2022). From walks to workouts, your team can convert the digital currency, YuCoin, they earn into vouchers with leading retailers to donations to their favourite charities. 6. Flexible work arrangementsOffering flexible work arrangements like remote work and flexible hours can be a major factor in attracting and retaining employees. It shows that you trust your employees and are committed to fostering a better work-life balance, which can lead to increased job satisfaction and productivity.By investing in employee benefits, you show that you care about your employees' wellbeing and are committed to their long-term success. Remember that offering great employee benefits is not just a cost, but an investment that can save your organisation time and money in the long run. So, invest wisely and watch your organisation thrive.About YuLife.YuLife is working to reimagine the insurance industry by protecting lives, rewarding living and inspiring life. We’re on a mission to transform traditional insurance into a life-enhancing experience each employee will value and use daily. How does it work? Our award-winning app uses behavioural science and game mechanics to reward your people for living well while offering protection in case of crisis. And with our top-rated employee assistance programme, your team gets access to mental, financial and social support, virtual GPs, nutritionists, life coaches and more to help them live their best lives.Because we believe that your employees should benefit from their insurance from day one — and that wellbeing should be accessible every day, for everyone.Request a demo for your team today.