A list of the Top 20 employee perks you’re probably not offering
We’re all aware that generous benefits packages are an effective enticement for potential hires. But are you willing to go as far as these companies to sweeten employee perks?
Glassdoor, the online jobs board and employee research firm, recently unveiled a list — compiled from current employees — of the Top 20 benefits offered by companies across the U.S.
Try these babies on for size (and perhaps add one or two to your benefits wish list):
- Netflix offers one paid year of maternity and paternity leave to new parents. They also allow parents to return part-time or full-time and take time off as needed throughout the year.
- REI encourages its employees to get outside by offering two paid days off, called “Yay Days,” a year to enjoy their favorite outside activity.
- Salesforce employees receive six days of paid volunteer time off a year, as well as $1,000 a year to donate to a charity of their choice.
- Spotify provides six months of paid parental leave, plus one month of flexible work options for parents returning to the office. The company also covers costs for egg freezing and fertility assistance.
- World Wildlife Fund employees take Friday off every other week, also known as “Panda Fridays” at the nonprofit.
- Airbnb, the Best Place to Work in 2016, gives its employees an annual stipend of $2,000 to travel and stay in an Airbnb listing anywhere in the world.
- PwC offers its employees $1,200 per year for student loan debt reimbursement.
- Pinterest provides a unique take on the parental leave policy by providing three paid months off, plus an additional month of part-time hours, as well as two counseling sessions to create a plan to re-enter the workplace.
- Burton employees receive season ski passes and “snow days” to hit the slopes after a big snowfall.
- Twilio offers employees a Kindle plus $30 a month to purchase books.
- Twitter is well-known for providing perks such as three catered meals a day, but some lesser-known benefits include on-site acupuncture and improv classes.
- Accenture covers gender reassignment for their employees as part of their commitment to LGBTQ rights and diversity.
- Walt Disney Company wants its employees to enjoy the “Happiest Place on Earth” as much as their visitors by offering free admission to its parks for employees, plus their friends and family, as well as discounts on hotels and merchandise.
- Facebook provides $4,000 in “Baby Cash” to employees with a newborn.
- Evernote hosts classes through “Evernote Academy,” which offers team-building courses like macaroon baking.
- Epic Systems Corporation offers employees a paid four-week sabbatical to pursue their creative talents after 5 years at the company.
- Adobe shuts down the entire company for one week in December and one week over the summer.
- Asana employees have access to executive and life coaching services outside of the company.
- Zillow pays for employees who are traveling to ship their breast milk.
- Google provides the surviving spouse or partner of a deceased employee 50% of their salary for the next ten years.
Naturally, these perks are over and above the basic benefits offerings. Per Glassdoor, the most-sought benefits are:
- Healthcare insurance (e.g., medical, dental): chosen by 40% of survey respondents
- Vacation/Paid time off: 37%
- Performance bonus: 35%
- Paid sick days: 32%, and
- 401(k) plan, retirement plan and/or pension: 31%.
Retention’s a different story
Ironically, while the muscular benefits package does attract the best new hires, it doesn’t necessarily keep employees at companies and satisfied on the job, according to Glassdoor:
According to Glassdoor Economic Research, culture and values, career opportunities and senior leadership are the most important factors in cultivating employee satisfaction, which can directly impact employee retention. Thus, while benefits and perks are a great way to get employees in the door and interested in a company, they’re not among the leading factors that keep employees with a company long-term.
Food for thought.
