11 attractive employee benefits without high costs: What companies can do

Attractive employee benefits don't have to be expensive. In this article, discover employee benefits that cost little but have a big impact.

The most important information at a glance

Strong employer brand: Bike leasing is a sought-after benefit and shows that companies are committed to modern, sustainable employee benefits.
Credible sustainability: Company bikes make CSR promises tangible—concrete, visible, and without greenwashing.
Healthy workforce: Everyday exercise boosts well-being and reduces absenteeism – a plus for any health strategy.
Brand ambassadors on two wheels: Employees become visible representatives of corporate values in their everyday lives.
Effective tax-saving model: Salary conversion benefits employees financially – and companies score points without additional expense.
Storytelling with substance: Bicycles offer authentic social media content – from selfies to city cycling.
Easy implementation: Providers such as Lease a Bike take care of organization, protection, and service – for minimal effort on the part of the company.

Free coffee is not enough. More and more employers are now realizing this. The reason: in recent surveys, many employees have stated that additional company benefits play a much more important role in their choice of job and long-term loyalty to their employer than in previous years. Often, they are even more important than a pay raise.

What's more, in times of skills shortages, growing competition, and increasing cost pressure, many companies are faced with the challenge of increasing their attractiveness—and doing so as efficiently as possible. The good news is that good benefits don't have to be expensive. Below, we present eleven ways in which companies can achieve a lot with manageable effort—for greater motivation, satisfaction, and loyalty within the team.

Employee benefits: Woman pushing company bicycle in park

Employee benefits: Kalkhoff Man With Bicycle In Summer

Flexible working hours and flexitime

Einfach umzusetzen, aber mit großer Wirkung: Flexible Arbeitszeiten ermöglichen Mitarbeitenden, ihre Arbeit besser mit dem Privatleben zu vereinbaren. Ob Gleitzeit oder Vertrauensarbeitszeit – wer selbst mitentscheiden kann, wann gearbeitet wird, fühlt sich wertgeschätzt. Das steigert nicht nur die Motivation, sondern senkt auch Fehlzeiten. Ein weiterer Vorteil neben den nicht vorhandenen Kosten: Der organisatorische Aufwand ist überschaubar – besonders für Bürojobs.

Home office and remote work

The option to work from home regularly or occasionally is now standard for many employees. Employers who make this possible demonstrate trust—an important factor in employee retention. For companies, this means lower office costs, higher productivity, and happier teams. It is important to establish clear rules and provide employees with good technical equipment—otherwise, working from home can also have a negative impact on business.

Bike leasing as a mobility benefit

Studies show that benefits in areas such as health and mobility are now among the most valuable and most frequently used. Company bike leasing offers employees a modern, environmentally friendly mobility solution – and one that is tax-efficient. Through so-called salary conversion, a company bike or e-bike can be used at attractive conditions. Bike leasing companies such as Lease a Bike also offer comprehensive protection packages including service, maintenance, and insurance. There is hardly any effort involved for employers—an attractive employee benefit with added value.

Health promotion in the workplace

Another cost-effective employee benefit in the area of health are workplace health promotion measures, such as sports programs, which are eligible for tax subsidies. Even small offerings signal that the company cares about the health of its employees. This not only reduces absenteeism, but also contributes to employer branding.

Continuing education and learning opportunities

Promoting professional or personal skills does not have to require a large budget. Simply providing access to online courses, learning platforms, or internal workshops can make all the difference. Those who are able to learn regularly feel more confident in their job and remain loyal to the company.

Employee vouchers and benefits in kind

Vouchers for retail stores, online shops, or restaurants can be granted as tax-free benefits in kind up to €50 per month. Employees appreciate this small bonus, which has a direct impact on their everyday lives. At the same time, there are hardly any additional non-wage labor costs for the company. It is important to keep an eye on legal regulations and tax limits.

Employee benefits: man and woman standing next to Kalkhoff bike in front of harbour background and looking at each other

Employee benefits: pregnant woman looks at child in bike seat in the back

Complimentary beverages and light refreshments

Even if coffee alone is no longer enough, free hot drinks, water, or fresh fruit are simple gestures that have a big impact. They promote well-being in everyday working life and show that you care. The financial outlay is low, especially for small teams. At the same time, shared breaks strengthen social interaction within the company.

Subsidy for public transport or Germany ticket

A travel allowance—for example, for the Deutschlandticket—is a practical benefit with a lasting effect. Employees save money and travel to work in a climate-friendly way. The allowance can be tax-free and provides real added value in everyday life. This support is particularly appreciated in cities and among young target groups.

Recognition and small gifts

Ein „Danke“ zur richtigen Zeit wirkt oft mehr als viele Worte. Ob in Form von Lob, einer persönlichen Nachricht oder kleinen Geschenken zum Jubiläum – gezielte Anerkennung fördert das Zugehörigkeitsgefühl. Auch interne „Mitarbeiter*in des Monats“-Auszeichnungen oder Wertschätzung im Teammeeting zeigen Wirkung. Der Aufwand ist gering, der Effekt nachhaltig.

Sabbaticals or special leave

Taking extended time off for personal development or relaxation does not have to be expensive. Sabbatical models—for example, through working time accounts or unpaid special leave—open up new perspectives and increase loyalty. Employees often return more motivated. Important: Clear agreements must be made and, of course, the legal framework must be observed.

Team events and social activities

Joint activities such as barbecues, hikes, or short trips strengthen team spirit and improve cooperation. Social activities such as charity runs or volunteer days are also well received. The financial outlay is manageable, and the benefits for team dynamics and identification with the company are considerable—especially for hybrid teams.

Employee benefits: man standing in front of building with a Kalkhoff bike

employee benefits: man is standing next to Kalkhoff bike and laughing

Conclusion: Small benefits, big impact

A look at the examples presented shows that even with a limited budget, it is possible to create attractive offers that have a noticeable impact on everyday working life – whether through greater flexibility, financial relief, or better teamwork. This represents a great opportunity for small and medium-sized companies in particular to set themselves apart from their competitors.

The key is to use employee benefits in a targeted and transparent manner. By cleverly combining simple measures, you can create added value without additional expense. A good example is bike leasing: tax-subsidized, uncomplicated to process, and with real benefits for everyone involved. Because at the end of the day, free coffee is no longer enough. If you want to attract and retain talent today, you need measures that really make a difference.

Would you like to know how bike leasing works in your company? Then visit the Lease a Bike website now to find out about the advantages for employers.

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11 employee benefits without high costs: What companies can do

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