In today’s economic climate, every dollar a company spends needs to prove its worth. Business leaders scrutinize budgets, looking for investments that drive productivity, engagement and retention.
And yet, workplace convenience services — errand running, meal delivery, concierge support — are still sometimes dismissed as frivolous perks.
They shouldn’t be.
Because these services don’t just make employees’ lives easier; they make businesses run better. When employees aren’t distracted by personal to-do lists, they’re more focused, less stressed and more committed to their work. The result? Higher productivity, lower turnover rates and real bottom-line benefits. Let’s break it down.
Work doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Employees have packages to return, home repairs to schedule and groceries to buy. On average, employees spend two to three hours a week handling personal errands during work hours. That’s productivity slipping away.
Companies that provide workplace support services, like on-site concierge or virtual assistant programs, give that time back. Employees stay focused on their work while someone else handles the errands.
A case in point: The U.S. region of a French multinational personal care corporation implemented on-site concierge services, including virtual support. Employees could drop off dry cleaning, schedule home repairs, and even have their cars serviced while they worked. The result? 2,805 requests fulfilled in the first 6 months, totaling 7,293 hours saved. Serving a population of over 10K, that’s a lot of hours saved that kept employees in their seats and less stressed.
Stress is a business killer. Deloitte reports a whopping 91% of employees say having an unmanageable amount of stress or frustration negatively impacts the quality of their work. When people are stretched too thin, they burn out. And burned-out employees call in sick, disengage and ultimately, leave.
Workplace support services help balance work and life by removing everyday burdens. Whether it’s help coordinating childcare, meal delivery for busy nights or assistance with travel planning, these services allow employees to focus on their jobs without distraction.
The payoff? Companies that prioritize work-life balance with high engagement report between 25-65% lower turnover rates. Given that replacing an employee can cost up to twice their annual salary, reducing churn has a direct and measurable financial impact. As an example: replacing 15 employees per year at $100,000 average salary can save you $3,000,000 in avoidable costs!
Employees don’t just work for paychecks, they work for companies that support them as whole people. Employees who feel valued are more engaged, more productive and more likely to stick around.
Even modest increases in engagement — driven by attention to employee well-being — can translate into quantifiable performance improvements. A study by Gallup found that highly engaged teams are 21% more productive and see 59% less turnover. Convenience services like work-life balance programs play a role in fostering that engagement. When employees know their employer cares about their well-being, they reciprocate with loyalty and effort.
As an example, juggling work deadlines with personal errands can be a real challenge for employees. Companies that recognize this and offer convenience benefits like errand-running services, can make a significant impact on employee satisfaction and well-being. 92% of employees who use Circles workplace support services say that they feel more valued by their companies. Tasks like grocery shopping, mailing packages or picking up prescriptions when handled by concierge services, free up employees' time and reduce stress. According to Employee Benefit News, services like this help employees focus better at work and enjoy more quality time at home, leading to increased job satisfaction and productivity. By alleviating the burden of everyday errands, employers demonstrate genuine care for their staff's work-life balance, fostering loyalty and engagement.
Historically seen as a feel-good perk, workplace support services are now proving to be hard-hitting tools in reducing burnout and attrition. Here’s how companies can track the impact:
Numbers don’t lie. If a company spends $200,000 annually on workplace support services and as a result reduces turnover by 5%, that saves $500,000 in hiring and training costs — a 150% ROI. The return is clear: this strategy is an investment that more than pays for itself.
When factoring in additional benefits like increased productivity and reduced absenteeism, the financial argument for convenience services becomes even stronger.
Case Study #1: Enhancing Retention with Concierge Services
A global law firm aimed to enhance support for its attorneys and partners while achieving a more predictable cost structure for errand-running services. By transitioning to Circles' comprehensive concierge program, the firm experienced a 175% increase in service usage, leading to improved employee satisfaction and retention.
Case Study #2: Boosting Engagement with Workplace Support Programs
An American multinational energy corporation sought to revitalize its community management program to enhance the employee experience and attract new talent. After implementing Circles' refreshed program, the company observed a 471% increase in employee requests, indicating heightened engagement and satisfaction among staff.
Workplace support services aren’t just an employee perk. They’re a strategic investment that delivers real returns.
Companies that invest in convenience services see:
For decision-makers, the takeaway is clear: If you want to build a high-performing, loyal workforce, supporting employees’ lives outside of work isn’t optional. It’s smart business.
The question isn’t whether your company can afford workplace support services. The question is: Can you afford not to?
