Are your employee benefits canned cranberry sauce or mashed potatoes?

Let’s talk about employee benefits — those programs and perks that organizations offer to attract, retain, and support their teams. But here’s the thing: Employee benefits aren’t canned cranberry sauce that you just pop open and place on the table; they aren’t less than a side dish. No, they’re more like mashed potatoes — comforting and customizable to fit the needs of every employee; the necessary dish to complete the Thanksgiving meal.

Canned cranberry sauce is simple. You can buy it off the shelf and serve it with zero effort. It’s predictable and easy to offer and looks the same every time. That’s how some companies treat their employee benefits — one-size-fits-all, standard issue, with minimal customization or real thought behind them. While simple, expected benefits like canned cranberry sauce might be easy to serve, they don’t always satisfy everyone at the table. That’s where mashed potatoes come in — a staple that’s comforting, versatile, and endlessly customizable to meet different tastes and needs.

Sure, a small bonus here and there, a basic health plan, and maybe a fun perk like free lunch or a gym membership. These are nice, but do they really reflect the needs and values of a diverse team? When benefits are this generic, employees may not feel truly supported. It’s a quick fix that doesn’t always satisfy — and can even cause people to get up and leave the table. 

Now, let’s talk about mashed potatoes. The real comfort food. They’re customizable and something everyone loves (but prefers with their own twist). That’s what employee benefits should be — tailored to a team’s needs, flexible enough to grow and evolve, and with the option to add a bit of extra flair that resonates with different people.

For example, health and wellness benefits shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all. Some employees may want a comprehensive health care plan while others might prioritize mental health support or family planning options. This is where benefits communications can help. Gathering routine feedback from employees about what they want when it comes to benefits is essential to meet their needs. 

Similarly, retirement planning shouldn’t just be a default option. Give employees the chance to opt into more alternative investments, such as commodities, private equity, and real estate. These things can help individuals feel like they’re actively building a secure future — just like those mashed potatoes are building a strong foundation for the holiday meal.

Why does this matter? Because employees who feel valued by their employer are more engaged, productive, and loyal. They feel that the company understands and supports them — not just on the surface but in a way that genuinely improves their lives. Whether it’s giving them more PTO when they need it, offering paid family leave, or providing access to a mental health day, these mashed-potato benefits show you care.

When benefits are thoughtfully designed and customizable, employees can savor them in a way that feels just right for them. And isn’t that the whole point?

So let’s leave the canned cranberry sauce behind and start crafting benefits that nourish your team like mashed potatoes — flexible, meaningful, and full of heart. Because at the end of the day, employees deserve more than just something. They deserve something that feels like home.