Note:  This is a guest post by Kyle Lagunas, HR Analyst at software selection resource Software Advice, who has recently written an article exploring creative benefits offerings that promote a culture of wellness, and go a long way to motivate, engage, and retain employees.

Featured in Lagunas’  full article on his HR blog, VoIP Supply is ahead of the game in offering benefits to engage and motivate employees with generous PTO programs, flexible schedules including work from home options, company funded disability insurance, and 401K benefits that exceed the norm.

However, as Lagunas points out below, there are simple things a company can do that will make a huge difference.  For example, why not leverage Unified Communications (UC) and VoIP technology to their full extent by allowing workers to remain connected whenever they choose or wherever they neeed to be?

Competitive Benefits Aren’t Special

Fact:  A standard package of health, dental and vision insurance, some paid vacation, a modest life insurance policy is not “competitive.”

Although attracting and retaining top talent continues to be a challenge for business leaders, most employers still boast of their competitive benefits offerings… which are really nothing special (“comparable,” even). And employers who continue to offer the same old benefits package will fall behind in attracting, motivating and retaining the best. 

Unified Communications Helps Balance Work & Personal Lives

The lines between work and personal lives are blurring for many employees. They’re seeking balance between the two, and are finding value in the ability to choose the specific benefits that best meet their needs at this point in their lives.

And employers are learning that, when chosen and implemented effectively, however, benefits can demonstrate leadership’s concern for the well-being of employees, reinforce cultural values, and foster deeper employee engagement. 

According to James Berkeley, Director of Berkeley Burke International, however, there’s still a disconnect. “The decisions made regarding what benefits to offer are often based on subjective viewpoints, viewpoints that are far removed from the actual needs of employees.” Rather than assuming you know what your employees want, Berkeley suggests you ask them.

Though answers will vary, many people are interested in more benefits in specific areas – Healthy Living and Wellness, Flexible Work Options, and Commuting Relief Benefits—and perks you can afford (like VoIP Supply’s fully stocked kitchen).

The effort we put in to forming a great customer experience made it unfortunate to learn that, yes, there are customers left unsatisfied by VoIP Supply; three percent of them.

Results showed that 97% of our customers are likely or very likely to buy from VoIP Supply again.

We’re very happy to share that a recent customer experience survey revealed extraordinary customer loyalty due to VoIP Supply’s:

• Product Availability
• Price
• Expertise

VoIP Supply’s Survey Says…

In December 2011 VoIP Supply conducted a customer satisfaction survey of more than 500 of our customers.  From the results of that survey we were flattered to learn of a fantastic amount of appreciation that our customers have for our efforts.

The Numbers:

• 98 Percent:  The number of customers likely or very likely to recommend VoIP Supply to colleagues or other businesses.
• 97 Percent: The number likely or very likely to purchase from VoIP Supply again.
• 87 Percent:  87% of customers report an exceptional or above average experience with VoIP Supply.
• Half:  Half of the customers consider VoIP Supply literally the best in the industry.

How did VoIP Supply garner such astonishing customer loyalty?  Survey respondents cited a number of reasons, chief among them include product availability (81%), price (76%), and more than half value our customer service and expertise.

“Our number one goal at VoIP Supply is to provide outstanding service to all of our customers throughout their experience,” said Benjamin P. Sayers, President and CEO of VoIP Supply. “I am really pleased at the strong degree of satisfaction our customers have for all we do. We will continue to strive to always exceed their expectations.”