Non cash Benefits for hourly workers

[Guest Michal Schaffer]

I own a very small company with only 4 part-time employees, all paid by the hour. Each employee has different needs. My business can not afford to increase their hourly rate, but I would like to find a way to compensate them individually. Are there any guidelines available for non-cash reimbursements/benefits, such as gasoline assistance for a long commuter or child-care financial assistance? Since I am talking of only one or two people, setting up cafeteria or other plans seems too cumbersome and far too expensive to be cost effective on my scale. Anyone know of where to go to further research options for such a small company as mine? Advice would be much appreciated.

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