When you find job candidates that are everything you hoped for, it is safe to assume other companies they interview with are going to see them in the same light. In times when the economy is sputtering and quality job seekers are trying to find the best salary package, small businesses can remain competitive in the recruiting arena. There are benefits that a small company can offer that will not cost a fortune. Here are three to consider.

Free Food

Everyone has to eat. A survey found that 83 percent of respondents reported that having fresh, healthy snacks at work is a huge perk. In those surveys, it was also found that because employees are appreciative of the gesture, it improved the employee-business relationship. Up to 50% of on-site food can still be written off. Additionally, your team does not have to wander off-site to pick up their meals and snacks in the middle of the day. Getting themselves re-situated after breaks and lunchtime, therefore, leads to an uptick in productivity. 

Wellness Initiatives

In the days before office jobs, a majority of the workforce worked on their feet or in the outdoors. During those days, gym memberships were not required because the population was getting some form of exercise and wellness on-the-job. Since times have changed, wellness initiatives are encouraged for companies whose employees spend most of their time sitting and working in front of a computer. Wellness initiatives are inexpensive and can include on-site yoga sessions, lounge spaces, and health education. Your goal is to target and reduce the probability of your staff developing diseases like diabetes, mental health issues, and obesity. Initiatives such as step challenges are low-cost opportunities to engage employees and help them improve their health and promotes employee engagement.

Commuting Perks

If your office is situated in a downtown or urban area that is not car-friendly, you can offer commuting perks. Bus passes, light rail tickets, and free parking make it easier from your staff to get to and from work safely. Your employees and staff are humans. Every minute they spend working for you is a minute they spend away from their family. While employment is a trade-off for a paycheck, it is a good idea to treat employees and staff well because it leads to an increase in productivity.

Offering competitive benefits is a good way to give your business an edge. Want to get your business ahead of competitors and attract the best employees? Start by building a good foundation and forming your business the right way.