By Ashutosh Agarwal, Manager, Global Benefits, GoGlobal
Enhancing the employee experience is the top priority for HR departments, according to the 2024 Mercer Global Talent Trends report. In Turkey’s competitive labor market, benefits can especially serve as a powerful talent development tool.
A carefully designed benefits package can help companies to acquire, engage and retain talent while building a positive employer brand. While upholding compliance with mandatory benefits is crucial, offering additional benefits can significantly enhance your appeal as an employer.
In the first segment of our series on benefits in Turkey, we discussed the statutory benefits all employers must provide. In this second installment, we explore the most popular supplemental benefits in Turkey. We also look at how specialized HR solutions, such as an Employer of Record (EOR), can support international companies.
Private health insurance
Private health insurance is a valuable supplemental benefit that covers various health risks beyond what is provided by the mandatory public health insurance system.
Either the employer or the employee may take out private health insurance in Turkey. There are specific regulations regarding the taxation of private health insurance premiums.
For employees, private health insurance means faster access to more comprehensive healthcare services. Employees may also enjoy health services and hospitals not covered by mandatory insurance.
Meal allowances
Providing meal vouchers or allowances is a common practice among employers in Turkey. This benefit helps employees cover their daily meal expenses, offering access to nutritious meals throughout the workday.
Transportation allowances
Subsidizing transportation costs is another popular supplemental benefit offered by employers in Turkey. Transportation allowances ease the financial burden of commuting, making it more convenient for employees to travel to and from work.
Training and development
Investing in employees’ professional growth through training programs and educational assistance is a valuable supplemental benefit in Turkey.
By offering opportunities for training and development, employers can demonstrate their commitment to enhancing employees’ skills and knowledge. This leads to improved job satisfaction and performance.
Flexible working hours
Offering flexible working hours or remote work options is a sought-after supplemental benefit in Turkey.
A flexible work arrangement can help employees achieve a better work-life balance. It empowers them to adjust their work schedules according to their personal needs and preferences.
Flexible scheduling can lead to increased productivity and employee satisfaction.
The EOR hiring model
An Employer of Record (EOR) solution can simplify the process of managing employee benefits in Turkey. This hiring model can reduce risks, safeguard compliance and provide a competitive advantage in the talent market.
Here’s how an EOR solution can support international companies in Turkey:
- Compliance Management: An EOR partner can handle all compliance-related tasks, helping a business adhere to Turkish labor laws and regulations. The EOR’s internal team stays updated on the latest legal requirements, minimizing the risk of non-compliance and potential penalties.
- Payroll Processing: Experienced teams manage payroll processing, including the calculation and payment of salaries, taxes and social security contributions. With EOR services, international businesses can enjoy accurate and timely payroll processing. This allows them to focus on core business activities, such as business development and customer relations.
- Benefits Administration: EOR companies administer both statutory and supplemental benefits, providing a seamless experience for employees. From managing private health insurance plans to distributing meal and transportation allowances, they handle all aspects of benefits administration. Through EOR hiring, an international workforce can receive the local support they need.
- Contract Management: An EOR partner can take care of employment contract management, aligning terms with local legal requirements. A properly written contract will also clarify the agreed-upon terms between employers and employees. A meticulous and localized approach to contract management establishes clear expectations, maintaining positive employer-employee relationships.
- Local Expertise: Local experts provided by an EOR partner offer valuable insights into the Turkish labor market. This includes an in-depth understanding of local customs, regulations and industry practices. The EOR team can design a competitive benefits package that meets the needs and expectations of the Turkish workforce.
Learn more about regulations and hiring in Turkey here: Hire in Turkey | GoGlobal
Contact us today to discover how the GoGlobal Global Benefits Team can help you design benefits that fuel business expansion and hiring in Turkey.