Offshore employees, who work for a company in another country, are a valuable part of businesses. They provide skilled services in IT, finance, customer support, and engineering (apart from multiple other sectors). Thanks to this wonderful pool of talent, businesses can successfully reduce their operational costs and speed up their delivery processes. 

However, while offshoring comes with financial advantages for companies, there is a growing need to focus on offshore benefits. In 2024, businesses need to rethink the benefits they provide to their offshore employees to help them feel recognized and rewarded. 

Why Offshore Benefits Are Important

Offshore employees are just as integral to a company’s success as those working in-house. Offering competitive offshore benefits helps attract top talent, retain employees, and improve overall job satisfaction. When offshore workers feel valued, they are more likely to stay with a company for the long term, contributing to productivity and reducing the cost of high turnover.

Moreover, offshore employees face unique challenges, such as working across time zones, adjusting to cultural differences, and potentially feeling isolated. Providing the right benefits not only helps them cope with these challenges but also fosters a sense of belonging and loyalty.

What Kind of Offshore Benefits They Received in the Past

Historically, offshore employees received fewer benefits compared to their in-house counterparts. Standard benefits were limited to basic salary, health insurance, and some work-related expenses. Many companies focused on minimizing costs, leaving offshore workers with little more than the essentials.

  • Basic Health Insurance: Coverage usually included basic medical care without additional perks like dental or vision insurance.
  • Minimal Paid Time Off (PTO): Offshore employees often had fewer vacation days or sick leave compared to in-house staff.
  • Limited Professional Development: Offshore employees had little access to the training programs or growth opportunities that were more readily available to in-house employees.

As the offshoring landscape changes, companies need to offer better benefit packages to stay competitive.

Offshore Benefits Employees Should Receive in 2024

The workforce in 2024 demands more comprehensive benefits, and offshore employees are no exception. Here are the top 6 benefits offshore employees should receive this year:

1. Comprehensive Health and Wellness Programs

In 2024, health insurance alone is not enough. Offshore employees should have access to comprehensive health and wellness programs, including mental health services, wellness stipends, and fitness memberships.

Why This Is Important:

  • Mental health is just as important as physical health, and offshore employees often face higher levels of stress due to time zone differences and isolation.
  • Offering fitness memberships or wellness stipends promotes work-life balance and improves employee productivity.
  • Comprehensive wellness programs show that the company cares about its employees’ holistic well-being, not just their ability to perform work tasks.

2. Flexible Work Hours

While flexible working hours have always been important, this benefit has become more crucial for offshore employees working across different time zones. Offshore workers should be able to balance personal commitments and work more effectively.

Why This Is Important:

  • Flexibility is critical in improving productivity. Employees who can set their own hours often deliver better work because they can optimize their time.
  • Offshore employees working in different time zones need this flexibility to avoid burnout from odd or long working hours.
  • This flexibility helps offshore employees maintain a work-life balance, reducing stress and increasing job satisfaction.

3. Enhanced Paid Time Off (PTO)

Offshore employees should have access to enhanced paid time off, including vacation days, personal leave, and mental health days. Paid time off not only shows that a company respects its employees’ personal time but also ensures they return to work refreshed and motivated.

Why This Is Important:

  • Providing enough PTO prevents burnout and keeps offshore employees engaged in their work.
  • Offshore employees often face challenges balancing work with family obligations, especially if they are working odd hours to align with the company’s timezone.
  • Offering more PTO aligns with modern workforce trends, where employees value experiences and rest more than ever before.

4. Professional Development Opportunities

Offshore employees should have access to professional development programs that help them grow within their roles. These could include online courses, certifications, and skill development workshops tailored to their field of expertise.

Why This Is Important:

  • Investing in employees’ skill development helps retain top talent, as offshore workers will be less likely to seek opportunities elsewhere if they feel they can grow within the company.
  • Professional development boosts employee confidence and equips them with the skills needed to stay competitive in the global marketplace.
  • Offshore workers should not feel that they are excluded from opportunities available to in-house employees.

5. Technology and Equipment Allowances

Providing offshore employees with technology and equipment allowances ensures that they have the tools necessary to perform their jobs effectively. This includes updated laptops, high-speed internet stipends, and software subscriptions.

Why This Is Important:

  • Offshore employees often work remotely, meaning they rely heavily on technology to stay connected and productive. A company-provided equipment allowance guarantees that they have what they need.
  • Offering this benefit shows that the company cares about setting offshore employees up for success.
  • High-quality equipment and strong internet connections enable smoother communication and collaboration, which is crucial for offshore work.

6. Remote Work and Coworking Space Options

While many offshore employees work from home, providing access to coworking spaces is a valuable benefit. Offering remote work flexibility with options to use a coworking space can boost productivity, especially in locations where reliable infrastructure (like high-speed internet) might be an issue.

Why This Is Important:

  • Access to coworking spaces gives offshore employees a professional work environment when they need it.
  • It reduces feelings of isolation for offshore employees who may prefer a more collaborative environment.
  • This option can improve productivity, especially for employees who face challenges working from home.

The Importance of Benefits in Offshore Work

Benefits directly impact job satisfaction, employee retention, and overall productivity.

In 2024, offshore employees are looking for more than just a paycheck—they want to feel seen, heard, and valued. Benefits are the easiest and most transparent way of rewarding Offshore employees for their diligence and dedication.

In Summary:

  • Benefits like health and wellness programs, flexible work hours, and professional development opportunities are necessary to stay competitive in today’s global marketplace.
  • The right offshore benefits can make or break an employee’s decision to join or stay with a company.
  • As offshoring becomes more common, companies must go beyond the basics to ensure their offshore employees feel valued and supported.

Investing in your offshore employees is investing in your company’s long-term success.