Employees are looking for more than just a paycheck. They want purpose. Flexibility. Appreciation. And yes—benefits that make life a little better. If you’re a small or medium-sized business trying to compete with bigger employers, here’s the good news: you can stand out by being more personal, not more expensive. Let’s break down how smart, affordable perks can help you attract top talent—and how LIVD can help you do it without the admin headache. What Top Talent Actually Cares About in 2025 Gone are the days when healthcare and 401(k)s were the full story. While those are still important, employees—especially millennials and Gen Z—are looking for perks that speak to their everyday lives. A Glassdoor survey found that 60% of people report that benefits and perks are a major factor in considering a job offer. Even more telling? In a MetLife study, 72% of employees said having personalized benefits would increase their loyalty to their employer. So, what does that mean for SMBs? Why Traditional Perks Fall Short for Small Businesses Let’s be honest—many smaller companies don’t have the budget to compete with tech giants or corporations offering $5,000 learning stipends and unlimited PTO. But that’s okay. You don’t need to match their budgets—you just need to outmatch their relevance. Traditional perks are: Smarter perks are: 5 Smarter Perks That Don’t Break the Bank Here are a few perks that pack a big punch—without the big price tag: 1. Lifestyle-Based Rewards Think beyond cash bonuses. Lifestyle perks like wellness credits, pet care stipends, or digital experiences show you’re thinking about the whole person, not just the employee. 💡 LIVD lets SMBs offer personalized, lifestyle-based rewards employees can choose themselves—from wellness to concert tickets, and everything in between. 2. Flexible Work Options Time is one of the most valuable perks. Offering flexible hours or hybrid work options doesn’t cost a thing—and it tells candidates you trust them. Studies show that 80% of workers would choose a job with flexibility over one that doesn’t. 3. Recognition That Feels Personal A simple thank-you goes a long way—but a reward tied to something your employee actually enjoys? That’s unforgettable. With LIVD, you can recognize great work with personalized rewards your team will actually use (not another coffee mug). 4. Learning Opportunities You don’t need a $10K training budget. Offer paid access to a curated list of online courses or create internal learning lunches. Growth doesn’t have to be expensive—it just has to be intentional. 5. Company Culture That Shows You Care Perks work best when they’re part of a larger culture of care. Celebrate birthdays, acknowledge wins, and prioritize employee well-being. It’s often the small, consistent actions that make people want to stay. The ROI of Smarter Perks Still wondering if these smaller, thoughtful perks actually pay off? The takeaway? Investing in the right perks pays for itself—fast. How LIVD Helps SMBs Offer Big-Feeling Benefits (Without a Big Budget) At LIVD, we help small and medium-sized businesses compete for top talent by offering lifestyle-based, personalized benefits that feel high-impact—without the high cost or complexity. You get: “LIVD makes it feel like you have a full HR team behind your perks program—even if it’s just you in the trenches.” Final Thoughts You don’t need to offer everything.You just need to offer something real. Top talent isn’t always chasing the highest offer—they’re looking for a company that sees them as human. With the right perks, you can become that company. 👉 Want to see how LIVD can help you attract and keep top talent? Book a demo
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What is a Lifestyle Spending Account (LSA)?
As an HR leader or Founder, navigating the world of employee benefits can be complicated. You’re constantly on the lookout for innovative solutions. Solutions that not only meet the diverse needs of your workforce but also align with your company’s goals. Enter the Lifestyle Spending Account (LSA)—a modern employee benefit that offers flexibility and personalization. But what exactly is an LSA, and why should your company consider implementing one? We’ll walk you through that in this blog. What is a Lifestyle Spending Account (LSA)? An LSA is a pool of funds provided by the employer to employees. These funds are allocated to each employee for them to spend on lifestyle and wellness benefits of their choice. Think of it as a personal benefits wallet. The beauty of an LSA is its flexibility. Unlike traditional benefits packages, which often come with a predetermined set of offerings, an LSA allows employees to choose what matters most to them. Whether it’s a gym membership, a mental health app subscription, or even something for your pet, an LSA empowers employees to use their benefits in a way that best suits their lifestyle. The Flexibility Factor: LSAs vs. Traditional Benefits Let’s face it, traditional benefits packages can be a bit… well, rigid. They often come with a one-size-fits-all approach that doesn’t necessarily cater to the diverse needs of today’s workforce. Enter LSAs. With an LSA, employees have the freedom to choose the benefits that truly resonate with their lifestyle and wellness needs. This flexibility is a game-changer in the world of employee benefits. Here are a few reasons why: In short, the flexibility of LSAs can be a win-win for both employers and employees. Tailoring to Individual Needs: The Personal Touch of LSAs One of the standout features of LSAs is their ability to be tailored to individual needs. This personal touch is a breath of fresh air in the world of employee benefits. Instead of being stuck with a generic benefits package, employees can use their LSA to fund what truly matters to them. This could be anything from fitness classes and mental health support, to continuing education and family care. The result? A benefits package that feels truly personal and valuable, boosting employee satisfaction and loyalty. Why Reward and Recognize Employees with an LSA? 1. Enhanced Employee Satisfaction Employees value benefits that cater to their individual needs. LSAs provide a personalized approach to benefits, allowing employees to spend their allocated funds on what truly matters to them. This level of customization leads to higher employee satisfaction and morale. 2. Increased Employee Retention Offering flexible and attractive benefits like LSAs can significantly improve employee retention rates. According to Forbes, 40% of employers believe workers leave their jobs to find better benefits elsewhere. By providing LSAs, companies can create a compelling reason for employees to stay. 3. Attracting Top Talent In a competitive job market, unique benefits can be the differentiator that attracts top talent. LSAs showcase a company’s commitment to employee well-being and work-life balance, making it an attractive workplace for prospective employees. 4. Promoting a Positive Workplace Culture LSAs foster a culture of care and appreciation. When employees feel valued and recognized, they are more likely to be engaged and productive. This positive workplace culture can lead to better overall performance and success for the company. How Does an LSA Work Through LIVD? LIVD is a comprehensive lifestyle benefits app that simplifies the administration of LSAs. Here’s how it works: 1. Seamless Setup and Management LIVD provides a digital platform that makes it easy for HR and admins to manage all employee fringe benefits, including LSAs. The platform offers features like digital enrollments, tracking, and reporting, ensuring seamless management. 2. Monthly Credit Allocation Each month, employers allocate credits to their employees’ LIVD accounts. These credits can be used to redeem a wide range of lifestyle benefits within the app, from food delivery and entertainment to wellness and travel. 3. Flexible Spending Options Employees have the flexibility to spend their credits each month or save them for larger benefits. This flexibility ensures that employees can make the most of their allocated funds according to their preferences. 4. Extensive Range of Benefits LIVD partners with hundreds of brands across North America to offer a diverse range of benefits. Whether it’s used on fitness, a spa day, or a home office setup, employees can find benefits that fit their lifestyle. 5. Easy Adjustments LIVD’s platform is designed to adapt to the dynamic needs of the workforce. Employers can easily add or remove employees and make adjustments to their monthly stipends, ensuring that the benefit program remains relevant and effective. 6. Support and Onboarding LIVD provides dedicated support and tailored onboarding guides to ensure that companies and employees can maximize the benefits of the platform. This includes one-on-one support and comprehensive resources to answer any questions. The Employer’s Edge: How LSAs Boost Retention and Attract Talent In the competitive world of talent acquisition, LSAs can give you an edge. They’re a unique and attractive benefit that can help lure top talent to your organization. But the benefits of LSAs don’t stop at recruitment. They’re also a powerful tool for retention. When employees feel valued and cared for, they’re more likely to stick around. LSAs can contribute to this feeling by providing a tangible way for employees to enhance their lifestyle and well-being. Moreover, LSAs can help foster a positive company culture. They send a clear message that you care about your employees’ well-being beyond the workplace. In short, LSAs can be a strategic tool in your HR arsenal, helping to attract and retain the best talent while fostering a positive company culture. Looking Ahead: The Future of LSAs in Employee Benefits A Lifestyle Spending Account (LSA) is a powerful tool for enhancing employee satisfaction, retention, and overall workplace culture. By offering flexible and personalized benefits, companies can create a compelling work environment that attracts top talent and keeps employees engaged. LIVD makes it easy to implement
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