SMALL PERKS, BIG LOYALTY … HERE’S HOW
Drive by Friday
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Drive by Friday –
Benefits that actually help. Support your team in 2026
When it comes to employee benefits, most organisations think they’re offering great value… but many staff either don’t understand what’s available or don’t see benefits that genuinely help them day-to-day.
2026 is the year to shift benefits from “nice to have” to truly useful.
Here’s a mix of smart, modern, and surprisingly simple ideas employers can tap into.
Boost Take-Home Pay (Without Increasing Salaries)
Small financial wins feel big right now.
Consider:
Expanding salary packaging options to help stretch pay
Offering novated leasing refreshers for existing staff
Provide parking options where possible
Providing corporate health insurance rates
Fuel card or charging station discounts for commuters
These aren’t new — but most employees still aren’t taking full advantage.
Reduce Everyday Stress with Lifestyle Perks
Life admin drains people more than ever.
Try perks that remove friction:
Flexibility in when/where people work
Wellbeing or birthday leave
Access to subsidised services (gym, telehealth, counselling)
Support for parents or carers
Occasional dog-friendly days or “bring your pet for a morale boost”
Sometimes the smallest extras make the biggest difference.
Smarter Mobility & Transport Support
Getting to and from work shouldn’t feel like a battle.
Organisations can offer:
EV leasing support and simple explainer sessions
Charging access or charging allowances
Pool cars for short-term use
Toll and parking packaging
Safety training for anyone using a fleet or pool vehicle
It’s all about convenience and confidence on the road.
Strengthen Health & Wellbeing (Beyond the Basics)
Modern employees expect more than a fruit bowl.
Effective options include:
Access to corporate private health plans
Annual health checks or flu vaccinations
Mental health support via EAP
Allowances for ergonomic home-office setups
Quick-access telehealth for busy staff
Simple, preventative support goes a long way in boosting morale and reducing absenteeism.
Low-Cost, High-Impact Micro-Perks
You don’t need a huge budget to show appreciation.
Consider small gestures like:
Work anniversary rewards
Micro-recognition points
Paid volunteering time
Subsidised snacks or team coffees
Lunch-and-learn sessions with practical topics
Tiny perks often deliver outsized engagement.
The Real Secret: Help Staff Understand Their Benefits
The most overlooked part of any benefits program? Education.
If employees don’t understand what’s available, they won’t use any of it.
Add:
Short benefit explainer videos
“Did You Know?” monthly highlights
Mid-year check-ins on packaging or leasing
A simple one-page benefits guide
A quick onboarding refresher for new starters
Awareness = value. And value = retention.
In Summary
Great benefits don’t need to be complicated or expensive. When we make life a little easier for our teams, they show up happier, stronger and far more engaged. A few thoughtful perks can turn an ordinary workplace into one people actually want to stay in.
Small perks. Big impact.
Support your team and they’ll support your business.
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If there is something you want to hear about or have an idea to share, please message me:
lorraine@simpli-u.com.au
Lorraine Singer
Director & Consultant, Simpli-U | Recruitment Solutions for the Novated Leasing, Salary Packaging & Automotive sectors | Australia-wide | Solutions all about ‘U’ (Clients & Candidates)