Employee benefits: nice-to-have or non-negotiable?

As well as the usual discussions and negotiations around salary, healthcare, and pensions, employers are turning to perks as a sweetener. Some benefits are seen as nice-to-haves, while others might be a surprising non-negotiable.

Here are the top five benefits that could make the difference for your dream candidate:

Learning and development

96% of employees under 45 see learning and development (L&D) opportunities as a non-negotiable in their roles. For Gen Z and millennials, L&D is the main driver for career progression and growth. And if an employee can’t see a clear way forward with you, they’ll start looking elsewhere.

E-learning courses that leverage technology and are available on-the-go are one way to stay ahead of the pack. Offer industry-compliant training on essentials like health & safety, first aid, and people management. Also, include courses on ‘soft skills’ like communication, conflict management, and presentation skills. The next generation of leaders are looking for investment in their wellbeing and future.

Career progression

Goal-setting and performance management should be talked about upfront to avoid frustration and underperformance. Learning about your employees’ goals and objectives is as valuable as a formal appraisal process and can be done during the interview stage. Clear career goals help you create high performing, highly engaged teams. Remember, not all employees see success as getting into management.

Flexible and remote working

Top of the list for many jobseekers is flexibility. Remote or hybrid working, as well as flexible working hours, are part of the search for most candidates in the UK.

Flexible working can improve productivity, increase the candidate pool, and reduce overheads. For some employers, however, remote working can come with communication challenges, performance management problems, and security issues.

Don’t forget: the right to request flexible working is a legal requirement in the UK. Employers must consider requests fairly, have a valid reason for refusal, and treat employees equally. A clear flexible working policy is the best way to stay legally compliant.

Health and wellbeing support

It’s no surprise that health and wellbeing are top of mind for many workers. But did you know that health is the greatest indicator of success for Gen Z? In a recent survey, 51% of workers aged 28 and under said they prioritise health over work and family relationships.

This could signal a change in recruitment strategy. How can employers attract talent that is more interested in health than career advancement and long-term job security?

From the outset, you can make a big deal about your health and wellbeing resources. An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) offers staff accessible, private, and stigma-free professional counselling. You could look for an EAP that supports with financial matters, smoking cessation, and quitting gambling. All of these things can affect your employees while they’re at work, so it makes sense to give them as much support as possible.

A perks platform

In today’s job market, a perks platform is more than a nice-to-have, it’s a strategic tool for attracting and retaining talent. By offering exclusive discounts and benefits, employers can boost engagement, reduce financial stress for staff, and show they value their wellbeing. It’s a simple yet impactful way to stand out and invest in your workforce.

Consider offering employee perks through an exclusive platform. These provide your team with unique deals and discounts they can’t find anywhere else. The right platform also offers additional benefits, such as a local services directory for finding trusted tradespeople, businesses, and services. Giving them handpicked perks from big brands and local gems they will actually use, not generic discount schemes available everywhere. Plus, it offers free advertising for your business.

How BrightHR Payroll can help

Trust, retention, and reputation are built on more than just consistent and accurate pay. Whether you offer financial or lifestyle perks, your employees only feel the benefit if they are aware of them. Promoting the perks you offer can boost morale, retention, and job satisfaction.

Starting April 2026, employers will be required to payroll taxable benefits in kind. This will avoid costly mistakes with HMRC, remove the need for time-consuming and costly annual P11d admin, reduce the risk of errors and penalties from HMRC, and simplify the process by deducting liabilities each pay period.

From the same date, employers must use payroll software that reports benefits in kind in real time. While these changes will be phased in gradually, employers should start looking for seamless payroll and HR software that keeps their business accurate, compliant, and running smoothly.

BrightHR software offers e-learning courses, performance management tools, and a free online marketplace. Smart solutions that transform people management and set your business apart as an employer of choice.