10 Mind-Blowing Job Perks Companies Are Offering To Keep Employees Happy
Posted 11th November 2024 • Written by Bryan Robinson, Ph.D. on forbes.com • • • • • •
Companies are going above and beyond traditional benefit packages to attract top talent and keep current employees satisfied. These unique job perks range from unlimited vacation days to paying off student loans. You have to admit those are pretty impressive offers. Some leaders believe these benefits demonstrate the corporate world’s commitment to supporting employees, ultimately driving business success.
Over the past decade, the biggest companies have become increasingly innovative in their efforts to attract top talent. For example, Netlflix and LinkedIn offer unlimited vacation, while Apple and Facebook help cover egg freezing and fertility treatments for employees planning families.
"Companies are realizing that traditional benefits aren't enough in today's competitive job market," according to business consultant Kasra Dash, who has been tracking this trend. "They're looking for ways to stand out and show they care about their employees' lives."
10 Job Perks Gaining Widespread Adoption
Dash identifies 10 unique job perks that leading companies are using to shift towards more holistic employee support and work-life integration. And he says they are gaining more widespread adoption. How is your company measuring up?
- Unlimited vacation. “Companies like LinkedIn and Netflix are pioneering unlimited vacation policies,” Dash explains. “LinkedIn introduced its ‘Discretionary Time Off’ policy in 2015, granting employees the freedom to recharge whenever they need. Netflix takes it a step further with a culture that emphasizes performance over hours worked, allowing staff to mix work and personal time as they see fit.” Dash calls them “vacation schemes” and says they enable employees to take ownership of their time, adding that they also build trust between the employer and employee, showing that the company values results over rigid schedules.
- Fertility support. “In a progressive move back in 2014, Apple and Facebook began covering fertility treatments and egg freezing for their employees,” Dash notes. “By supporting family planning, they empower employees to make significant life decisions on their own terms and help them to feel supported through big life decisions.”
- Student loan help. Dash points out that student loans are a heavy burden for many young professionals and that companies like PwC and Aetna are stepping up with programs to help employees pay off their loans faster. “PwC offers up to $7,200 over several years, while Aetna provides up to $10,000 in assistance, he reports. "By assisting with student loans, companies invest directly in their employees' financial wellness. It not only eases a common burden but also attracts young talent looking for employers who understand their stresses."
- Mental health days. Dash acknowledges that as more and more companies recognize the importance of mental health, they are now offering extra mental health days to give employees time to unwind, reset and come back refreshed.
- Pet insurance. Some organizations now offer pet insurance as a benefit which, according to Dash, is an acknowledgment that pets are part of the family. He reports that Amazon is a leading example of a pet friendly company who has 7,000 dogs registered to “come to work” at their offices. “They extend this dog-friendliness to include pet insurance as an employee perk,” he adds. “By helping cover veterinary expenses, companies show they value their employees' personal lives and the furry friends that matter most to them.”
- On-site childcare. “Balancing parenthood and a career is no small feat, which is why companies like Patagonia are making it easier by providing on-site childcare,” Dash remarks. “Parents can focus on their work, knowing their kids are close by and well cared for. On-site childcare is a huge game-changer for working parents. It takes away the logistical challenges of childcare and allows for a family-friendly workplace culture."
- Personal development stipends. Dash states that some companies now offer personal development stipends. He mentions that employees are encouraged to invest in their personal growth—whether it’s learning a new skill or picking up a hobby—knowing that their employer celebrates their lives outside the workplace.
- Home office support. With remote work becoming more common, Dash finds that some companies are providing stipends for home office setups. “Whether it's funding for ergonomic furniture or the latest tech equipment, this support provides employees with a comfortable and efficient workspace at home,” he points out.
- Wellness allowances. Dash cites Spotify for introducing a week-long "Wellness Week" as part of its Heart & Soul mental health program. This program gives employees a full week off to focus on their well-being and recharge. He believes this perk is a thoughtful way to show employees that companies take their health seriously.
- Paid sabbaticals. “Companies like Adobe reward long-term employees with paid sabbaticals, Dash shows. “After five years of continuous service, employees can take a four-week sabbatical, with additional time added for subsequent five-year milestones.”
A Final Word
Major companies are starting to recognize that attracting top talent requires a shift in focus. Dash insists that they are now asking, how they can support their employees as much as, or even more than, what can their employees do for them. He believes that today's employees want more than just a salary and that they want to work for organizations that care about their lives beyond the office.
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