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

Discover seven proven employee engagement strategies for small and medium-sized businesses. Learn how lifestyle benefits boost retention, connection, and loyalty.