I’m researching the issue of unique company perks for the upcoming revision of 48 Days to the Work You Love. And yes, I’m finding that in today’s competitive marketplace, companies are getting creative about attracting top talent. Higher salary is just not 
enough to stand out from all the other options great candidates have today. 95 percent of Americans say they consider a job’s perks before deciding to accept an offer. Leading companies overcome the challenge by creating unique benefits and opportunities.
- Google offers some pretty sweet benefits. No need for employees to pack a sandwich for lunch or rush home to cook dinner. Free food for lunch and dinner is just one of the many perks here. Employees also enjoy oil changes and car washes, massages and yoga, a play room, back-up child care assistance, and $12,000 in annual tuition reimbursement.
- Employees at New York based Deloitte don’t have to just dream about traveling in Europe or volunteering in Africa. The company offers everyone four unpaid weeks off to do whatever they wish, and three to six months of partially paid leave to volunteer or pursue a career-enhancing opportunity.
- Employees of Venice, CA bases JibJab Media who make it in to work by 10 AM Monday mornings are rewarded with free laundry service. All of the company’s employees get a laundry bag to cram as full as possible. What they can fit inside gets washed, folded and returned the next day.
- At Software Advice, employees are encouraged to work remotely from anywhere in the world for a month each year. To date, employees have telecommuted from France, Spain and Vietnam.
- FlexJobs allows its employees to perform under a “Results Only Work Environment” (ROWE). Employees set their own schedules and are not held to any certain number of hours each day. As long as they are accomplishing the goals and are staying “productive and innovative” it doesn’t matter when or how they work.
- After five years at Ruby Receptionists, employees qualify for the “Five at Five” program – a paid five-week sabbatical. The program provides employees a chance to pursue a dream or activity just for the pure joy of it. In preparation for their sabbatical, employees receive an individual coaching session and a $1000 grant for their adventure.
- At 2HB, a company that provides Systems Engineering and Software Engineering services, employees receive a $50 grooming perk each month. They can use that money for a manicure, pedicure, or just to get a nice hair cut to get that added boost of self-confidence that comes from looking great.
Right now I’m hearing from a lot of people who would be happy to have a job – with just a regular paycheck. And yet companies are feeling the pressure to add these kinds of perks to attract top players. What would it take to really wow you in considering a new job offer?
What is something unique you’re enjoying where you are now?
Wow, some pretty compelling incentives! I especially love the paid 5 week dream chasing sabbatical. Although, if given 5 weeks to dream, I would join the 48 Days Coaching Mastery Program and build a coaching business! I guess you could say, I’m living my dream all 52 weeks of the year. Thanks Dan!
Living in Hawaii is a pretty cool perk 🙂 Writing on the beach, coaching from the mountains, speaking at mansions overlooking the ocean.
I recently got a new job with a step up in pay and the ability to wears jeans or shorts and being able to grow a beard. (Was working fast food for a bit before.) They also have vendors come in once a week or more where we get a free lunch. This might not be huge things, but I am enjoying these perks.
Lots of little things can add up to be significant perks. A mobile phone stipend, annual conference or training attendance allowance, mentorship lunches, paid healthcare, pet-friendly workplace… It’s less important to quantify each of their values, rather to note that each little perk is an opportunity that would feel like a loss when considering a company change.
I’m enjoying the benefit of being able to work from home as I build and launch my coaching business. Having a supportive husband and family is a huge blessing.
Nucor Steel – The perks are amazing. Free Financial Coaching/Educational/Advising, Marriage Coaching, Chiropractic care, cell phone discounts, Health Wellness Bonus, annual bonus, profit sharing, 10% match when buying company stock, 7% match on 401k, vacation, special bonus checks at tax season, $12k scholarship to every kid, family days at local amusement parks + the normal stuff, health insurance/401k plans, group life/disability, sick leave, and more. Oh, and they have a company wide practice of no layoffs!