Employee benefits aren’t just a ‘nice to have’—they’re a key part of how SMEs in Ireland attract, retain, and support their people. But with so many options available, it’s easy to lose focus or fall into the trap of selecting generic schemes that don’t actually meet your team’s needs.
At PurpleTree, we work directly with business owners and managers to develop clear, compliant employee benefits strategies that are aligned with the realities of SME life. In this guide, we break down the different types of benefits available and offer practical advice on how to shape a package that delivers real value for your team.
The most effective employee benefits are the ones people actually use. That’s why we always encourage our clients to start by asking their staff what matters to them—rather than jumping into a one-size-fits-all solution.
This simple, proactive step helps you:
Now, let’s look at the different categories of benefits you might consider—including financial, lifestyle, wellbeing, and salary sacrifice options.
Money is often the most immediate concern for employees, particularly during times of economic uncertainty. Thoughtful financial benefits can reduce stress and improve focus, loyalty, and wellbeing.
These allow employees to borrow through an employer-facilitated scheme, with repayments made directly through payroll. It offers a more manageable, often lower-interest alternative to high-street loans—particularly valuable for staff who may struggle with credit access elsewhere.
Providing access to trusted financial advice—either through workshops or one-on-one support—empowers your team to make better decisions around budgeting, saving, debt, and retirement planning. It’s a practical way to support long-term stability and reduce financial anxiety.
A curated library of videos, guides, and tools can help employees build financial literacy at their own pace. We help clients integrate these into their existing HR systems, ensuring they’re easy to access and updated regularly.
Not all benefits need to be grand gestures—sometimes, small perks can make a big impact on day-to-day life.
Whether it’s groceries, transport, or entertainment, discount programmes help employees save money where it counts. Many of our clients use third-party platforms that are easy to manage and widely used.
If you’re looking to support ESG goals, electric vehicle or low-emission car schemes can help staff make greener choices. These often work via salary sacrifice and may include added benefits like charging support or reduced tax liability.
Salary sacrifice schemes are cost-effective for both the employer and employee, offering tax and PRSI advantages while supporting access to useful services or products.
Partnering with services like MotorSave allows employees to spread the cost of MOTs, services, and repairs. It’s a practical benefit that reduces the financial shock of unexpected vehicle costs.
Let your staff buy or sell annual leave days to suit their lifestyles. This flexibility shows trust and can be a powerful tool in improving work-life balance—especially for working parents or carers.
These allow employees to purchase new tech (laptops, phones, tablets) through monthly salary deductions. This spreads the cost and may reduce tax/PRSI contributions, making it a popular, accessible benefit.
A healthy workforce is a resilient one. Health-related benefits demonstrate care, and they often have a direct impact on productivity and retention.
While not included in the original text, PurpleTree frequently supports clients in exploring:
If you’d like to explore these options, our team—including David, our Director of HR & Safety Compliance—can advise on reputable, affordable options that fit SME budgets.
The key takeaway? Don’t assume—ask.
A successful benefits package is one that reflects your team’s actual needs, not just what a provider happens to offer. By engaging with your people first, you can design a strategy that:
At PurpleTree, we help Irish SMEs build practical, compliant benefits packages that are easy to manage—whether you’re just getting started or looking to refine what you already offer.
Our team of HR experts—Mary, Seán, and David—bring decades of real-world experience in employment law, benefits planning, and workplace engagement. We work directly with business leaders to craft solutions that are legally sound, operationally manageable, and genuinely valued by staff.
Whether you’re planning a new scheme or just want to check if your current setup meets legal and employee expectations, we’re here to help.
Contact PurpleTree today to talk through your options or to arrange a consultation.
