Companies that are trying to hold benefit costs down without seeming too tightfisted might want to consider affordable perks such as partial reimbursements for health club membership or aerobics classes at work, the Institute of Management & Administration suggests.
The New York-based newsletter publisher for mid-size companies sent a questionnaire to about 250 subscribers asking for cost-containment pointers and included in a recent edition 21 suggestions that won't break a business's budget.
Others included providing domestic partner benefits, healthy cooking classes. Some companies said they pay for up to half the cost of an employee's personal computer if the device helps increase productivity away from the office. The firms also offer public transportation subsidies and training programs to help employees improve themselves and develop positive attitudes.