Your Career Questions Answered by Jolito Ortizo Padilla - A letter sent by my Former Student at Bernardo College-Las Pinas City working at Radisson Blu Hotel -Dubai

Thank you  Leo for reading my book " Human Resources Management in Action" at IPad

The Problem: I have to axe gym membership for staff due to budget cuts. What low-cost benefits can I offer to keep staff happy?

The Solution: First of all, how important was the gym to staff? If popular, staff may wish to fund it themselves with management negotiating a better deal. Organize a frank discussion with key members of staff, such as  good communicators, including those who organize social activities and have a positive influence, and ensure there is understanding of current realities and the decisions that have been made. With staff buy-in , great things are possible. This think-tank can brainstorm ideas, such as:
    - Lunchtime groups-book clubs, presentations and discussions
    - Early Friday- extend each day by 15 minutes and allow staff to leave an hour earlier.
    - Homework -give staff  one day a week/ month to work from home.
    - Study time- allow paid days a year to attend a self -funded course
    - Stress Management - visiting masseurs, yoga and Pilate instructors
    - Free tickets- negotiate deals for theater and cinema
    - Sports activities- low cost team-building games such as rounders or buy a table-tennis table.
    - Family day- invite realities for a summer picnic

With effective facilitation, the working party can get creative and produce a list twice this size. It could incorporate a general cost-cutting program with a prize for the best cost cutting idea, which may result in having the funds to buy back the gym membership.