In 2026, employees are making more intentional choices about where — and who — they work for.
While competitive pay remains an important factor, it is no longer the sole driver of employee satisfaction or retention. This shift is especially evident within the sexual wellness industry, where employees often serve as educators, advocates, and trusted guides for consumers navigating deeply personal topics. For sexual wellness brands and retailers, supporting employees through meaningful perks beyond pay has become both a cultural expectation and a strategic advantage.
Pay Opens the Door, Culture Keeps People
Compensation may attract talent, but workplace culture is what ultimately determines whether employees stay engaged and committed. Employees want to feel respected, supported, and valued — not just financially compensated. In sexual wellness retail and brand environments, staff often engage in emotionally intelligent and sensitive conversations alike while representing value-driven businesses daily. When culture is strong, employees feel empowered to show up fully and authentically in their roles.
Values Are a Workplace Benefit
Employees increasingly evaluate employers based on values alignment, particularly in purpose-driven industries like sexual wellness. Values such as inclusivity, consent, education, and ethical business practices are not abstract concepts, they shape daily workplace experiences.
When leadership consistently demonstrates these values through policies, communication, and decision-making, employees feel a deeper sense of trust and belonging. A values-led workplace creates psychological safety, which directly impacts employee confidence and performance.
Perks That Actually Matter in 2026
Meaningful perks go beyond surface-level incentives and address employees’ real needs. Well-being support such as mental health days, wellness stipends, or access to educational resources acknowledges the emotional labor often involved in their work and their personal life. Flexibility is equally important. Predictable schedules, advance notice of shifts, and respect for time off help reduce burnout and improve work-life balance. Another perk to consider is digital management of schedules with schedule changes and trades at the fingertips of employees.
Additionally, perks focused on learning — including paid training time, industry education, and product knowledge — empower employees to grow while strengthening their ability to serve customers with credibility.
Education, Access, and Empowerment
Employees in the sexual wellness industry value education as both a personal and professional benefit. Providing access to product samples, hands-on training, and continuing education allows teams to speak authentically about what they sell. When employees are confident in their knowledge, customer interactions become more meaningful and trustworthy.
Empowered employees are not only better brand representatives, they are more engaged and invested in long-term success.
Recognition and Human Connection
Feeling seen and appreciated remains one of the most powerful drivers of employee satisfaction. Recognition does not need to be elaborate. Acknowledging milestones, celebrating wins, and inviting employee feedback fosters connection and morale. In smaller and larger retail and brand teams, these moments of appreciation can significantly impact loyalty and engagement.
Employees who feel valued are far more likely to advocate for the brand they represent – and let’s face it, that’s just good for business.
Why Supporting Employees Is Good Business
Supporting employees beyond pay delivers measurable business benefits. Engaged teams provide better customer experiences, strengthen brand credibility, and reduce costly turnover.
In sexual wellness, where trust and authenticity are essential, employee satisfaction directly influences customer perception.
Investing in people ultimately leads to stronger retention, healthier workplace culture, and more sustainable growth.
Leading With Intention in the Sexual Wellness Industry
In 2026, the most successful sexual wellness brands and retailers will be those that approach employee support with intention and consistency. Supporting teams does not require excessive budgets — it requires listening, empathy, and follow-through. Employees want to feel aligned with the brands they represent and confident in the leadership guiding them. When businesses invest beyond the paycheck, they build workplaces rooted in trust, education, and shared purpose.
Education, community, and connection power better decisions — not only for businesses, but for the people behind them. Supporting employees beyond pay is one of the most impactful ways leaders can strengthen their organizations and the industry as a whole.
Written by Nicole Leinbach Hoffman, Founder of STIMULATE. Hoffman is a frequent guest and contributor to various media outlets that have included The Today Show, Forbes, Entreprenuer.com and countless B2B publications – including having a regular column with Smart Retailer Magazine. Additionally, Hoffman has supported American Express’s Small Business Saturday as a Spokesperson and is the Author of the book “Retail 101: The Guide to Managing and Marketing Your Retail Business” from McGraw-Hill. In 2022, Hoffman was recognized as one of Women Wear Daily’s “25 Most Inspiring Women in Retail” and has been on the list of the world’s most influential retail leaders from Rethink Retail since 2015. In 2023, Hoffman was recognized by fashion retail leader American Eagle on a billboard in Times Square as a Global Change Maker with her work in retail, specifically highlighting her support of making sexual health products more accessible in retail destinations. Additionally, Hoffman has been an Adjunct Professor at Columbia College where she has taught retail marketing. Connect with Hoffman at nicole@retailminded.com.
