The gig economy, workplace digitization and flexible working have greatly disrupted traditional ways of working. Gone are the days of a one-size-fits-all, office-based nine-to-five job; for many it's now possible to work at any time, from any location. The improvements to work-life balance are clear, but there are also downsides to remote working to consider. By moving away from the centralized workplace, employees are missing out on the social connections that are intrinsic to office working.

This should not be taken lightly. As innately social creatures, humans need to connect with others to build and maintain mental well-being, which in turn fosters engagement and productivity. Workplaces may become more digitized and remote, but it is vital that companies continue to nurture their employees' social well-being–both for the good of their staff and their bottom lines. One of the best ways to achieve this is to deliver an employee benefits offering that ensures their social well-being needs are met.

Meet their needs from day one

Social benefits can present an effective and cost-efficient way for businesses to make sure their employees stay connected, engaged and productive. There are a wide range of options that can be tailored to the needs of employees, from company lunches to regular after-work socials. Company-wide success celebrations offer another chance for organizations to show employees that they care, while charity days can bring groups of colleagues together for a good cause.