At the Wills Group, we believe a great workplace starts with a benefits package that supports every aspect of our teams’ lives. As the EVP of Talent & People Operations, I’ve had the privilege of shaping these offerings to meet our team’s immediate needs, support their families, plan for the future, and enhance their overall quality of life. We design our benefits to reflect what our people value most, resulting in offerings that are both comprehensive and often rare in today’s workplace.
In this post, I’ll outline ten unique benefits and perks that make the Wills Group a standout employer, underscoring our commitment to building an equitable workplace where everyone can thrive.
1) High 401k Match and Profit Sharing
Planning for retirement is a priority for us at the Wills Group, which is why we offer one of the most competitive 401k plans in the industry. We start with a 7% match after just 60 days of employment, with the potential to go up to 10%. In addition to this 401k match, contributions are also made based on an employee’s years of service. Employees that have been with the company for zero to nine years are eligible for 2%, 10 to 19 years of service employees are eligible for 4%, and 20+ years of service employees are eligible for 6%.
We also provide a profit-sharing contribution, which in 2023 was a substantial $10,000 per eligible team member.
2) Equity in Health Insurance Costs
Because health insurance is one of the most significant expenses for employees, we prioritize equitable premiums. Our full-time retail team members at Dash In and Splash In pay $32 every two weeks for comprehensive health coverage. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the average employee contribution for health insurance premiums in 2023 was $117 per month—more than three times what our retail team members pay.
3) Tuition Reimbursement with No Limit
It’s no secret that workers with a college degree can earn significantly more over their lifetime. Yet, between 1980 and 2020, the average price for an undergraduate degree increased 169%, according to a 2021 report by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. That’s why we offer a tuition reimbursement program that covers up to 100% of tuition costs, with no cap on the amount reimbursed. While tuition assistance is not uncommon—48% of all employers and 80% of large employers offer it—few provide it without a financial cap.
In 2023 alone, we disbursed $60,000 in tuition reimbursements, helping our teams achieve their educational goals without financial strain.
4) Crisis Grants
Life is unpredictable, and financial emergencies can happen to anyone. Our Crisis Grants provide up to $2,500 per incident, with a lifetime maximum of $5,000, to help team members during difficult times. Whether covering funeral expenses or helping with rent, this program is a lifeline for our team members. In 2023, we disbursed $21,500 in Crisis Grants, directly supporting our staff in moments of need.
5) Pet Insurance
We know that pets are like family, which is why we include pet insurance in our benefits package. It’s a benefit you won’t find everywhere—less than 20% of employers nationwide offer pet insurance, according to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). After our team expressed interest in pet insurance through our benefits surveys, we added it to our offerings, and 35 team members signed up in the first year.
6) Financial Wellness Programs and Resources
We care deeply about our team members’ financial well-being, which is why we offer access to financial advisors through RBC Wealth Management for both part-time and full-time team members. These advisors can help with everything from budgeting and retirement planning to real estate investments. According to a 2023 survey by the Employee Benefit Research Institute, only 22% of companies offer financial counseling.
7) Part-Time Team Member Benefits
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 25% of part-time workers in the U.S. have access to health benefits. But at the Wills Group, our values drive us to do more. Our part-time employees are crucial to our success, so we make sure they have access to benefits typically reserved for full-time staff at other companies. Our benefits include a $500 LifeBalance account for medical expenses and a $10,000 life insurance policy after just six months of employment. Every member of our team, regardless of their hours, deserves support in maintaining their health and financial security.
8) Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides three free counseling sessions per employee, covering issues like stress management, grief, and eldercare. We also offer virtual mental health resources, including access to platforms like Meru Health, Ginger, Talkspace, and Happify. Mental health plays a critical role in our team members’ lives, making our comprehensive EAP an essential part of our benefits package.
9) Wellness Programs and Incentives
We prioritize team member wellness through a variety of programs and incentives. Cigna’s MotivateMe program allows team members to earn up to $225 in gift cards by participating in health assessments and fitness challenges, with additional raffles adding extra motivation. Our broader wellness initiatives, like the Cigna Fitness Challenge, encourage activities such as yoga, biking, and running to promote physical health, team-building, and a sense of community. These programs have been a big hit across the company, with proven benefits like reduced absenteeism and increased productivity.
10) Volunteer Days
Giving back to our communities is at the heart of what we do at the Wills Group. Our Team Volunteer Days program encourages team members to take paid time off to volunteer with local organizations and causes they care about. Whether helping at a local food bank, participating in environmental clean-up projects, or mentoring youth, we support our team’s efforts to make a positive impact. In 2023, our team members collectively volunteered nearly 400 hours, making a real difference in the communities we serve. This program strengthens our ties to the community and fosters a sense of purpose and fulfillment among our team.
Thriving Together at the Wills Group
These ten unique benefits and perks illustrate how the Wills Group goes above and beyond to support our team’s well-being and growth. We are proud of the positive impact these benefits have on our team members’ lives and their communities. If you’re looking for a workplace that truly values its people, consider joining us at the Wills Group—we’re committed to helping you thrive both personally and professionally.
