Blog/Low-Cost Wellness Benefits for Employers
Andrea Paul | 2/25/2025 | 2 min read

Low-Cost Wellness Benefits for Employers

Wellness benefits that don’t break the budget

Person using calculator with a ribbon in corner

Wellness and other premium benefits for employees

Attracting and retaining top-quality talent is more challenging than ever for organizations. This is especially true for small and medium-sized businesses with tighter budgets. The good news? You don’t need a large budget to offer premium benefits that employees truly value. Read on to discover how you can create a compelling benefits package within your organization’s budget.

Low-cost wellness benefits

Wellness benefits don’t have to blow your budget. Many affordable initiatives can significantly impact employee recruitment, retention, and overall well-being. The rise of virtual care and telehealth has made it even easier and more affordable for businesses to provide these services. According to a 2023 report by McKinsey & Company, telehealth usage has stabilized at levels 38 times higher than pre-pandemic rates. Here are some cost-effective wellness benefits that leverage virtual care:

  • Virtual healthcare services: Companies like Agile Telehealth provide employees with access to discounted virtual health services, including programs for weight loss, sexual health, mental health, and chronic disease management. Virtual care can reduce healthcare costs while improving accessibility for employees, particularly in remote or underserved areas.

  • Mental health support: Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and mental health apps offer affordable ways to support employees’ mental well-being. Studies show that mental health-related productivity losses cost U.S. businesses up to $1 trillion annually. Virtual therapy sessions and AI-powered mental wellness tools are effective, scalable solutions.

  • Telehealth smoking cessation programs: Providing access to virtual smoking cessation programs can help employees quit smoking, improving their long-term health and reducing absenteeism. Research indicates that employees who quit smoking save employers an average of $5,800 per year in lost productivity and healthcare costs.

  • Virtual stress management resources: Offering online stress management workshops, guided meditation apps, and one-on-one virtual counseling can significantly benefit employee mental health and performance.

  • Online nutrition and weight management programs: A company-subsidized subscription to a virtual nutrition or weight management service can promote healthier eating habits and overall well-being, often at a fraction of the cost of in-person services.

Professional development benefits

Investing in employees’ growth fosters loyalty and enhances their skill sets. Virtual learning has made professional development more accessible and cost-effective.

  • Lunch and learn sessions: Hosting virtual or in-person educational sessions during lunch, along with a healthy meal, provides employees with valuable learning opportunities while fostering engagement.

  • Access to online learning platforms: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer affordable group access to professional development courses and certifications, many of which can be completed remotely.

Other creative perks and benefits

Small, thoughtful perks can go a long way in improving company culture and employee satisfaction. Consider implementing these affordable benefits:

  • Casual dress code: Allowing employees to dress comfortably—even just on certain days—can boost morale and workplace satisfaction.

  • Discounts to local businesses: Reach out to nearby stores and restaurants for employee discounts, particularly those within walking distance of the office.

  • Random half-days off: Granting occasional Monday mornings or Friday afternoons off provides employees with much-needed personal time.

  • Pet insurance discounts: Many pet insurance companies offer group discounts, which can be a valuable perk for pet owners on your team.

  • Focus days: Designate a day each week as a "no-meeting day" to give employees uninterrupted work time—many companies adopt "No-Meeting Fridays."

  • Errand-related perks: Offering credits or gift cards for dry cleaning, car washes, or meal delivery services can make employees’ lives easier. Organizing group pickups for these services at the office adds even more convenience.

Benefits that pay you back as an employer

Taking care of employees isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a business strategy. Happy, healthy employees are more productive, engaged, and loyal. Offering premium benefits isn’t reserved for Fortune 500 companies; many cost-effective options provide a strong return on investment.

In particular, virtual care and telehealth services have transformed workplace benefits by making high-quality healthcare more affordable and accessible. According to a Mercer study, 72% of employers plan to expand virtual care options to support employee well-being while lowering healthcare costs. Agile Telehealth handles all the setup and operations, allowing your employees to enjoy the convenience of virtual healthcare from home or the office.

By implementing even a few of these affordable benefits, you can create a workplace that attracts top talent, retains valuable employees, and fosters a thriving, engaged workforce.