March 26, 2025. Perks at work have always been a nice bonus. But now, with more companies asking employees to return to the office, they’re becoming essential ways to get employees to show up at their desks.
The stakes are different now. Free coffee and beer on tap aren’t enough (though no one’s complaining if they get them). Perks at work have grown to include things like onsite childcare, quiet spaces, and wellness programs. They include redefining your paid time off policy and company outing plans. The key is finding perks that employees actually care about to make the money spent on them worth it.
Below are some smart, creative perks at work—at all budget levels—to help your team feel good about being back in the office.
1. Encourage time off for successful and hard-working employees
In a world where burnout is a common cause of job dissatisfaction, showing your employees that you respect their right to a healthy work-life balance can ease their stress and lighten their load. Make taking PTO part of the culture—especially for high performers. The stories of their grand adventures away from work will naturally become icebreakers around the office water cooler when they return.
2. A fun, welcoming office is the ultimate perk at work
Perks are meant to be a little extra and a lot of fun. In addition to productivity-based perks that make working easier, make sure that some perks are aimed at making the office an enjoyable place to spend time socializing. Events and activities that foster bonds between colleagues, even if it’s an on-site retreat, will naturally provide an incentive for coming to the office on a regular basis.
3. Lean into your company’s strengths
Think of something your company is uniquely suited to provide. And I’m not talking about Apple’s cheeky penchant for stocking the kitchen with as many apples as you can eat. I’m talking about Spotify’s private concerts, Airbnb’s travel stipend, and Zynga’s gaming lounge. These market leaders might have a few more resources to expend on fun, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take a page out of their book.
4. Perks at work that stick? Team outings
We could all use a little more connection at work. It’s easy for teams to get siloed, especially with hybrid schedules and packed calendars. Encourage cross-functional collaborations just for the fun of it to build deeper relationships between employees and foster a sense of camaraderie that makes employees want to come into work each day. Timberland is known for encouraging service sabbaticals equaling 40 hours of paid volunteer work per year. At Bevi, we’ve organized team hikes, axe-throwing competitions, volunteer days, barbecues, and more! Perks at work can sometimes just be goofy fun, giving back to the community, or hanging out around a grill. Nothing more, nothing less.
5. Combine the benefits of all of these and purchase a Bevi water dispenser
A Bevi water dispenser is a perfect perk for your employees and your workspace to have. They are healthy, eco-friendly, and very customizable. Choose between sparkling or still and a variety of flavors like Strawberry Lemongrass and Peach Mango. With touchless technology and easy access, Bevi machines makes shared spaces more convenient, more sustainable, and a lot more fun. As far as cost-effective perks at work that drive a ton of employee engagement, it doesn’t get much simpler than this.
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6. Have a hand in the basics like child care, commute, and meals
Events and activities that foster bonds between colleagues, even if it’s an o site retreat, will naturally provide an incentive for coming to the office on a regular basis. It’s important to acknowledge that employees will have legitimate concerns regarding their return to the o ce, from general health to the logistics of family care and travel costs. Start with the basics to show your team you can help with this transition. The gas prices or commuter costs, the first meal of the day, and making sure children are given adequate care are all valid concerns for employees looking to return to the office.
7. Re-create remote perks with the perks you offer at work
Many employees have grown to love the exibility of attending a meeting or completing other tasks while staying active. Whether it’s a walk, twenty minutes for meditation, or a shared meal outside, encourage your team to incorporate their favorite remote work breaks at the office. Many employers helped remote workers set up a comfortable and productive space in their homes when offices closed during the start of the pandemic. Why not reverse that—redesign the office for safety and comfort, and welcome employees back with some fun decorations, company gear, or a coffee mug with their pet’s face on it.
8. Encourage a culture of sustainability
If you think employees won’t be open to greener commutes, consider this: over 70% of working people want their commutes to be more sustainable. The catch? They still prioritize time and convenience over sustainability. That’s where smart perks at work come in—like clean commute stipends, no-commute days, or wellness tie-ins for biking and walking. These kinds of incentives can help shift habits while showing employees you’re thinking about what matters to them. Speaking of sustainability…
9. Eco-friendly office supplies as functional perks at work
Decomposition notebooks, bamboo pens, plantable pencils, cork laptop cases—and of course, recycled paper. Maybe even an eco-friendly, bottle-less water dispenser? These thoughtful choices double as stylish, functional perks at work. They’re better for the environment, often recyclable, compostable, and even vegan-friendly, without sacrificing usability. It’s an easy way to shrink your company’s carbon footprint while adding sustainability to your workplace culture.
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Ryan Daly
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