In a competitive job market where candidates are the focus, employers who prioritize retention efforts risk losing top performers. By enhancing their overall job satisfaction by giving them the perks and benefits they want, employers can keep their staff content.

A good set of work benefits and perks keeps employees happy, and a happy team is more productive and creative—and less likely to send their resumes to your competitors. What you offer in addition to a salary can also help with recruitment efforts. The right mix of extras can mean the difference between your top candidates joining your team and declining your job offer.

Research reveals the perks and benefits that employers most frequently provide and that employees most frequently want. Some are tried and true, while others are relatively new to the mainstream.

If you don't offer any of the perks and benefits on these lists, adding them could boost employee morale and alleviate retention concerns.

Employees' top six most-wanted job benefits

Employee benefits are a type of non-cash compensation that covers basic needs. Despite the fact that occasionally the terms "perks" and "benefits" are used interchangeably, for our purposes, employee benefits are typically a type of non-cash compensation that cover necessities. If their employer didn't pay for them, employees would have to pay for them themselves.

Health insurance is the most important benefit to many job candidates after salary, and it typically includes medical coverage for employees and their families.

Paid time off (PTO) is highly valued by employees and a great way to combat employee burnout, whether it's for vacation, illness, or bereavement. Two weeks of PTO is standard for new hires, but three or more weeks can be difficult for many candidates to pass up.

Plans for retirement savings A tax-advantaged 401(k) plan or better retirement benefit plans can be a great way to attract candidates. Offering to match contributions up to a certain amount is a huge perk for employees and can entice them to stay with your company.

Dental insurance The most important thing isn't always the most exciting thing, but dental insurance is a highly sought-after benefit for many employees today.

Life and AD&D insurance The purchase of life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment insurance (AD&D) is something that employees should seriously consider if they want to feel secure knowing that their families are safe.

Vision coverage-Glasses, contacts, and eye exams can be expensive for those who need them, so it's no surprise that vision insurance is a highly sought-after perk.

Employees want the following six workplace perks the most.

● PERKS Prerequisites or corporate perks (aka "perks") are nice-to-have additions to an employee's salary and benefits package. Perks at work are defined as above-and-beyond benefits that may persuade an employee to prefer one employer over another. Treat them as the cherry on top.

● Work schedule flexibility — Most workers today would prefer to choose their own work schedule (within reason, of course). This typically entails a compressed workweek (e.g., four 10-hour days) or flex-time, in which employees can choose to work, say, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. instead of an 8-to-5 schedule.

Companies are promoting windowed work in the aftermath of the pandemic, where employees break down their workday into non-consecutive chunks of time—8 a.m. to noon and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., for example, to manage their professional and personal obligations.

● Options for working from home Working remotely has become the norm for many companies as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Employees have expressed a desire for this work option to continue.

● Employee discounts — Employees enjoy receiving company-exclusive discounts, which include discounts on large-ticket items such as cars, homes, and smartphones. If that is out of your price range, think about what your budget allows. Even a discount at the local coffee shop can be a well-liked perk.

● Paid parental leave— Employees want to know that they can continue to work and pursue their career goals while caring for a new born or newly adopted child. This is a widely appealing benefit. Companies that provide paid parental leave will likely gain points with top performers who plan to become parents — again or for the first time — in the future.

● Company-subsidized meals or snacks — Many professionals applaud organizations that provide nourishment to teams during the workday. Offering home meal deliveries or grocery stipends to remote workers could be a great way to differentiate yourself from your competitors.

● PTO for volunteering — Also known as VTO (volunteer time off), this benefit allows employees to help others without using up their PTO. Offering this perk will appeal to employees and job seekers who want to work for a company that is socially responsible.

• A thoughtful and generous benefits and perks package is critical for keeping your best people around—and for recruiting more top talent to join your team at a time when millions of workers are voluntarily quitting their jobs.