Benefits to Keep or Add During Tough Times

According to Employee Benefit News, there are five employee benefits that you should protect in an economic downturn:

Healthcare benefits are highly regarded by employees, and the loss of them may mean the loss of key talent.
Cutting wellness programs sends the wrong message, and employers lose a long-term cost savings strategy.
Discontinuing employee retreats and meetings will impact employee morale and motivation, and employers lose a chance to develop a sense of teamwork.
Employee assistance programs can help employees facing financial and other personal issues, and managers can focus on the task at hand instead of employee personal issues.
As employees are asked to do more with fewer resources, make sure that developmental opportunities are made available.

Consider adding telecommuting or expanded training, and pass on executive–level perks (i.e., sporting event tickets) to lower–level employees. You might attract a talented individual looking for a new opportunity. Most importantly, reeducate your employees on the benefit package they currently have.