4 Little-Known Perks Your Employer Might Offer

Are these benefits included in your company's package?

I absolutely love being self-employed. While I don't get a steady paycheck, and I lose income if I need to take a sick day and am unable to work, I do get the freedom of setting my own hours and taking time off when I need to, as opposed to having to beg for vacation time and hope it doesn't conflict with a colleague's.

But it's not just the steady income I miss as a result of not being a salaried worker. I also miss getting employee benefits.

Whether it's a 401(k) match, subsidized health insurance, or free snacks and coffee, some companies are very generous when it comes to workplace benefits. In fact, some companies really go above and beyond in that regard. Here are a few lesser-known benefits employers do actually offer.

1. Free or subsidized gym memberships

Joining a gym is a great way to stay fit (provided you actually go, of course). But a gym membership can be expensive. And if money is tight (which is the case for many people right now, due to inflation), you may not want that extra monthly charge on your credit card. Some companies, however, will cover the cost of a gym membership as a means of investing in their workers' health.

And that's a nice perk to have, even if you're not such a fitness buff. You might feel guilty about only using the gym once a week if you have to pay for it yourself. But if your employer is footing the bill, you can take the pressure off and work out when it's convenient for you.

2. Reimbursement for fitness equipment

Some people prefer to exercise at home. If you're the type who would rather do your sweating at home (and who could blame you?), you may be in luck if your employer offers a fitness equipment reimbursement plan. You may be eligible for a lump sum of money to purchase a bike, treadmill, weights, or anything else that lends to exercise.

3. Mental health benefits

Employers have increasingly begun to recognize the importance of maintaining good mental health. To this end, many are offering services like hotlines and counselors -- often at no cost. Your company might also offer related wellness programs, like on-site yoga.

4. Help with financial planning

A lot of people struggle to save for things like emergencies and retirement because they were never taught how to manage money. And many people are overwhelmed by the idea of having to invest funds in an IRA or 401(k). Some companies do a good job of addressing this issue by offering financial planning services to employees. That could mean organizing on-site seminars or setting workers up with advisors they can work with one-on-one.

Being a salaried employee often means getting access to a wide range of benefits. Keep your eyes peeled to see if your company offers any of these perks. And if it doesn't, you may want to speak up and ask for them.