Remote work benefits are specialized perks and support offerings that employers develop specifically for employees who work entirely or partially outside the traditional office environment—whether from home, on the go, or in hybrid arrangements. Since your work environment and associated needs change when you no longer commute to the office daily, these benefits aim to provide you with necessary resources, ensure your productivity, promote your well-being, and maintain a sense of team belonging despite the physical distance. They often replace or complement traditional office perks (such as free coffee, a cafeteria, or an on-site gym) with offerings tailored to the specific challenges and requirements of remote work.
The range of potential remote work benefits is extensive and can be tailored to the specific circumstances of both the company and its employees. Some of the most common examples include:
- Home Office Equipment/Setup:Financial subsidies, budgets, or direct provision of ergonomic office furniture (desk, chair), external monitors, keyboards, mice, or proper lighting to create a healthy and productive work environment at home. Ergonomic consultations may also be included.
- Technology and Connectivity:Coverage or subsidization of internet costs (e.g., as a tax-advantaged internet allowance), provision of necessary hardware (laptop, company phone, headset) and software licenses, as well as reliable IT support.
- Well-being and Health:Access to digital health resources including online fitness classes, meditation and mental health apps, and virtual workshops covering topics such as stress management, resilience, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance while working from home.
- Social Interaction and Team Culture:Budgets for virtual team events, shared online lunch breaks or coffee breaks, subsidies for occasional use of coworking spaces to promote interaction, and the organization of virtual social activities.
- Learning and Development:Access to online learning platforms, coverage of costs for relevant online courses, webinars, or digital certifications.
- Daily Support/Assistance in Everyday Life:Contributions towards childcare costs or meal allowances, including for remote work (e.g., as digital meal vouchers).
Today, offering well-thought-out remote work benefits is a crucial factor for employers to remain competitive in attracting talent and retaining employees long-term. It demonstrates appreciation and shows that the company takes the needs of its remote workforce seriously and actively supports them. For you as an employee, such benefits mean concrete improvements in your daily work life, financial advantages, and the feeling of being well-connected and supported even from a distance. Platforms like HelloBonnie are excellently suited to make these diverse remote work benefits flexible and uncomplicated. Through HelloBonnie, employers can provide budgets for various purposes (e.g., home office equipment, wellbeing, internet). You can then use your balance through the HelloBonnie Smartcard or app individually and according to your needs, choosing from a wide network of partners for purchases and services that suit you best. This maximizes the value of the benefits while minimizing administrative effort for all parties involved.
