Imagine this: An employee, Sarah, starts her Monday with a long to-do list. She has back-to-back meetings, a project deadline looming and a growing list of personal errands — dry cleaning to pick up, a prescription to refill and groceries to buy. By the end of the day, she’s mentally exhausted, knowing she’ll have to squeeze in those tasks after hours.
But what if she didn’t have to?
That’s where errand-running services come in. They take everyday burdens off employees’ plates, helping them reclaim time, reduce stress and stay focused on what really matters. And in today’s economic climate — where companies are scrutinizing every dollar spent on employee benefits — errand running is proving to be one of the most high-impact perks out there.
Employee benefits have shifted. Gone are the days when a ping-pong table or free snacks could pass as a meaningful perk. Workers today crave support that genuinely improves their day-to-day lives.
Enter errand running — a service that may not seem flashy but delivers undeniable value. It’s simple: employees hand off their to-do lists, and a trusted service takes care of the rest. From grocery shopping to mailing packages, these tasks disappear from employees’ already jam-packed schedules.
And the benefits? Let’s break it down.
Time is a finite resource, and employees often spend it juggling personal responsibilities during work hours. A recent survey found that the average worker admits to spending 2+ hours per day on non-work-related activities. That’s time not spent on meaningful work.
Errand-running services help employees reclaim their time, with Circles users averaging a time savings of 2.5 hours every time they make a request. Instead of stepping out for an oil change, they can stay focused on their job; instead of spending a lunch break running to the post office, they can use that time to support their well-being. More uninterrupted time means higher productivity, which, in turn, benefits the company’s bottom line.
Companies talk of promoting work-life balance for their employees but tend to focus on vague initiatives instead of tangible support. Errand running is different — it’s a direct, measurable way to help employees achieve that balance.
By removing personal errands from the equation, employees have more time to recharge. They can pick up their kids from school, go to the gym or simply relax without the weight of unfinished tasks hanging over them. That balance translates to better mental health, lower stress levels and a happier, more engaged workforce.
Burnout is real, and it’s expensive. Employees overwhelmed by the constant pressure of balancing work and personal obligations are more likely to disengage — or worse, leave altogether. In fact, 44% of employees cite stress as a top reason for quitting their jobs.
Errand-running services relieve that pressure. Employees who feel supported in their personal lives are not only more satisfied at work but also more likely to stay with their employers. When companies offer benefits that ease daily burdens, employees take notice — and they stick around.
One of the biggest challenges companies face with “soft” benefits is measuring their impact. How do you prove that a service like errand running generates a return and makes a real difference? Fortunately, this one is easy to track.
Usage data provides clear insights into how employees engage with the service. How many errands are completed per month? What are the most requested services? Are certain times of the year busier than others?
Beyond numbers, feedback surveys offer qualitative proof. Employees frequently report feeling less stressed, more focused — in fact, 92% of employees using Circles services feel more valued — when they have access to convenience services like errand running. Companies can use these insights to continuously refine their offerings and ensure they’re providing real value.
Here are some of the top errand’s employees need to help them save time and reduce stress:
In times of economic uncertainty, many companies scale back on benefits perceived as non-essential. But errand running has remained one of the most resilient workplace services. Why? Because it directly supports productivity, relieves stress and enhances employee well-being — three factors that impact a company’s success regardless of market conditions.
Unlike trendy perks that lose their appeal over time, errand-running services address an evergreen need: time savings. Employees will always have errands to run, and companies that help lighten that load will continue to stand out as employers of choice.
Today’s workforce isn’t looking for over-the-top gimmicks. They want benefits that make their lives easier, reduce stress and allow them to focus on what truly matters. Errand running delivers on all three fronts.
For employers, the equation is simple:
It’s time to rethink improving the employee experience. If you’re looking for an employee benefit that actually moves the needle, errand running should be at the top of your list.
