Make the Most of Your Employee Perks and Benefits
Employee perks and benefits packages are there to support you financially, mentally, and emotionally. But let’s be honest: many of us don’t make the most of them. In fact, a massive 80% of employees aren't making the most of the employee benefits available to them.
That means you could be missing out on hundreds of pounds in savings, valuable wellbeing support, and amazing lifestyle perks, all included as part of your job.
This guide is here to change that. We’ll show you how to explore your perks, unlock hidden savings, and take full advantage of everything on offer - especially if your employer uses BHN Extras.
Why it pays to use your perks
Using your employee perks and benefits is one of the easiest ways to boost your income and wellbeing without any extra effort. When you engage with your benefits, you can:
- Save money on everyday expenses like food, fuel, and tech
- Access wellbeing tools that support your physical and mental health
- Make smarter financial decisions with less stress
- Enjoy more from your salary, without needing a raise
These benefits are already in place to support you. All you need to do is use them.
Why people don’t use their perks…yet
If you’ve never logged in to your benefits platform or aren’t sure what perks you have, you’re not alone. Here’s why many people miss out:
- They’re not sure what’s available
- The platform feels confusing or hard to access
- They don’t realise how much they could save
- They assume the perks don’t apply to them
The good news? With BHN Extras, it’s all easier than you think, and this guide will help you get started.
10 simple ways to start using your perks
1. Log in and look around
The first step is simple: visit your employee benefits platform and log in. Most benefits are ready to go straight away. If you’re on BHN Extras, head to: https://app.workplaceextras.com/login
2. Check the savings for yourself
Employee perks can save you real money on a daily basis. For example:
- Save up to 15% cashback on your weekly shop
- Save up to 8% on 1000s of tech or furniture items
- Get free access to wellbeing tools and apps
Seeing the numbers makes it easier to see the value.
3. Look out for ‘Perk of the Month’ messages
Your employer might share reminders in newsletters, emails, Slack, or Teams. Keep an eye out for deals or seasonal savings that relate to your current needs, like Christmas shopping or summer travel.
4. Chat with colleagues
Whether by the watercooler or at social events, ask around. You might be surprised by how many people are using their perks already. Whether it’s a colleague who’s saving for a bike or someone earning cashback on their shopping, stories from others' personal lives can inspire you to give it a try.
5. Match your perks to life events
Heading back to school? Moving house? Planning a big purchase? There’s a benefit to help ease the financial burden and support a healthy work-life balance. For example:
- Save on laptops ahead of the new school year
- Cut Christmas costs with discounted gift cards
- Spread the cost of new furniture, interest-free
- Save on the daily commute with an affordable green car
6. Revisit your perks if you’re new to the team
Just joined? Welcome! Make perks part of your onboarding checklist. Log in, activate one or two benefits, and start saving from week one.
7. Watch for ‘Did You Know?’ reminders
Short, snappy tips (like “Did you know you can save money at Currys?”) are a great way to discover new financial benefits. They’re often shared on your intranet or internal comms channels, so keep your eyes peeled.
8. Bookmark the login page
Make it easy to return. Save the platform link as a bookmark or pin it to your home screen. BHN Extras uses single sign-on, so once you’re in, you’re in.
Bookmark it now: https://app.workplaceextras.com/login
9. Join a drop-in session
Many employers run quick sessions where you can ask questions and learn how the platform works. These are informal, no-pressure ways to get up to speed, and they often come with helpful demos.
10. Try something new each month
Treat your perks like a menu. Try a new one each month and see what works for you. Whether it’s cashback, a wellbeing app, or a salary sacrifice scheme, the more you try, the more you save.
Top perks to try today
Here are a few BHN Extras perks that offer some of the biggest benefits with the least effort:
bYond Cashback Card
Earn up to 15% cashback at 85+ retailers on everything from groceries to days out. Use it regularly and you could pocket £300-£500 a year.
Extras Discounts
This employee discount scheme lets you buy discounted gift cards for shops, restaurants, and more. Use them for everyday spending or save them for birthdays, holidays and gifting.
Home & Tech
Spread the cost of must-have items like laptops, washing machines, and sofas, all interest-free, with savings up to 8%, no credit checks, and no stress.
Cyclescheme
Save up to 47% on a new bike or e-bike and pay through your gross salary. Great for commuting, fitness, and your wallet.
Green Car Benefit
Get a brand-new electric car for a fixed monthly amount, deducted before Income Tax and National Insurance. An affordable way to enjoy sustainable travel.
BHN Extras makes it easy
If your employer uses BHN Extras, you’re in luck. It’s one of the UK’s most flexible and user-friendly benefits platforms.
You get:
- One simple login
- Instant access to perks and savings
- No hidden fees
- Tools like syd™, the wellbeing app
- Discounts and cashback as standard
Everything’s ready and waiting. You just need to explore the wide range of benefits. So, why not log in now? https://app.workplaceextras.com/login
Make perks part of everyday life
Want to get the most out of your company benefits long term? Make them part of your routine:
- Log in once a month and check what’s new
- Use the cashback card for your weekly shop
- Chat with your manager about benefits during reviews
- Share your savings stories with colleagues
Perks and benefits are there to help you save money, feel better, and enjoy work more. The more you use them, the more valuable they become.
Start saving. Start feeling the benefit
You don’t need to change anything big to start seeing results. Just logging in, activating one perk, or trying out a new discount can start putting money back in your pocket and boost your wellbeing.
The best time to start looking for popular perks? Today. Log in to BHN Extras and unlock your benefits.
FAQs
What are employee perks and benefits?
Employee benefits packages are extra rewards and savings that come with your job, beyond your salary. They might include discounts, cashback, wellbeing apps, or a salary sacrifice arrangement. Designed to support your financial, mental, and physical wellbeing, benefits for employees help you save money, feel good, and get more from your everyday life.
Where can I find out what perks I have access to?
If your current employer uses BHN Extras, all your employee perks and additional benefits are in one place. Just log in at https://app.workplaceextras.com/login. If you're not sure what platform your workplace uses, ask your manager or HR team about benefits for employees, and they'll point you in the right direction.
Do I have to pay to use my perks?
No. Most benefits for employees are completely free for you to access. Some types of employee benefits, like optional salary sacrifice benefits, involve deductions from your gross pay, but even then, they’re designed to save you money overall.
What’s the easiest perk to start with?
If you’re just getting started, try using the Extras Discounts or bYond cashback card. They’re quick wins that help you save money on everyday spending, like shopping, eating out, or gifts. You can start using them in minutes, and the savings add up fast.
I’m not very tech-savvy. Are the platforms easy to use?
Yes. BHN Extras is designed to be simple and user-friendly. Everything is clearly labelled and easy to browse, even if you’re not confident online. You can also access your perks on your phone, so it’s easy to use wherever you are. Need help? You could discover the answer here.
Can I still use my perks if I work remotely or part-time?
Definitely. Most employee perks and benefits are digital or flexible, which means you can use them no matter where you work or how many hours you work. Whether you’re remote, hybrid, office-based, full-time or part-time, your employee benefit offerings are still available to you.
Can I use my benefits for my family too?
Some company perks, like gift cards or cashback, can absolutely benefit your household. While other flexible benefits, like Cyclescheme or Green Car Benefit, are set up in your name, the savings can still be felt by your family. Always read the benefit details and see if there are any that specifically include dependents.
Are there any perks that help with wellbeing?
Yes, employee perks and benefits can support every part of your wellbeing. From gym discounts to the syd™ wellbeing app, there’s a fantastic range of wellbeing initiatives to help with stress, sleep, finances, and fitness. These perks are designed to help you feel your best at work and home.
Can I use more than one benefit at a time?
Absolutely. You’re encouraged to use as many employee perks and benefits as you like. For example, you might use the bYond card for your weekly shop, Cyclescheme for commuting, and the Home & Tech benefit to spread the cost of a new laptop, all at the same time.
What should I do if I’m not sure how a benefit works?
If you’re unsure about anything, from how salary sacrifice works to how to activate a cashback card, help is just a click away. Most benefits platforms include a help centre, FAQs, or a live chat feature. Or you can reach out to your current employer for guidance. It’s always worth asking, because once you understand the benefit, you can start saving straight away.
