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I'm not sure if this is the right forum to ask, sorry in advance!
I'm having a discussions with a more fiscally conservative colleague about how taking away some perks will affect morale and productivity. He argues that the reduction in morale will be temporary and people will get used to their lack of coffee.
I am wondering if there are any studies that show the longer term effects of taking away of things like free coffee or beer Fridays.
It depends a great deal on what industry you're in.
But as a rule of thumb: Your employees are your business. Your customers don't see you. They don't see your executives. Most don't remember their sales rep. They see your front-line staff. That's who your company is to your customers.
Do you want a staff that believes in your company, and sees everything they can do for your company's benefit as something that will ultimately benefit them? Or do you want adversaries with your logo on their business card talking to the people who send you money?
Coffee is cheaper than commissions, any day.
"Beer Fridays" may be a little too much, though, as the legal aspects of allowing alcohol to be consumed on site, let alone being provided, could be terrifying in many western countries.
