For the vast majority of us, happiness in the form of workplace perks boils down to a nice place to work at with proper lighting, a pantry, fresh and clean washrooms, and maybe a fridge and a microwave.
Of course, there are the mandated perks like healthcare and social security.
But otherwise, we don’t expect much from where we work as long as we’re paid.
Many of us are also pretty cool with sick leave and even vacation time as added benefits.
But did you know there are companies that are happy to give new parents a year off? One whole year off and it’s fully paid too. If that weren’t enough to get you thinking, we found 9 companies that give the best perks in the world (all these based on Glassdoor surveys.)
1. Spotify
One of the more popular and famous streaming services, this music streaming company really knows how to treat its employees. Newly minted parents get half a year of paid parental leave, as well as lots of flexibility when it comes to their work options when they come back. This essentially gives the parents a simple way to ease back into the workforce. They even cover fertility assistance (if necessary).
2. The World Wildlife Fund
When working for a non-profit, you don’t expect much in the way of perks given that these organisations rely on external funding to keep going. The WWF is, in a way, no exception. To compensate, they give every other Friday off. These “Panda Fridays” might not seem like much, but ask anyone who has had to endure a week’s worth of stress and they’ll tell you that long weekends twice a month aren’t bad at all.
3. Netflix
Already quite beloved by everyone looking to burn off a whole weekend or just looking to chill, Netflix received a pretty high rating on Glassdoor. That’s because the TV-streaming company is the one that offers one year paid leave to all new mums and dads. They still have the option to work part-time or full-time within that year, but they’d still be able to take time out and away should they need it.
4. AirBnb
They say that the most effective way to work for a company is to fully understand how it works. AirBnb employees have the best possible way to experience first-hand the way their company operates. AirBnb gives their people USD $2,000 annually to let them travel anywhere in the world. The only condition for this unbelievable generosity is that they stay at a place listed on Airbnb—a small trade-off, really, all things considered.
5. Salesforce
While not a non-profit, this software giant is all heart. Its employees get six days out of a year that they can spend volunteering for the charity of their choice—all of that being fully paid for by the company. This, in turn, passes on the spirit of giving to their employees. If that wasn’t cool enough, Salesforce also gives their employees over USD $1,000 to pass on to their charity of choice.
6. PwC
Here we have a financial company that deals with auditing, assurance, tax services, and all manner of consulting. They have an insane perk that is really appreciated in America. Namely, here, anyone who works for PwC gets $1200 as part of having a piece of their student loans reimbursed. This essentially makes this a company you can think about joining from the moment you enroll into college.
7. The Walt Disney Company
The famous and magical Disney Company gives it’s all to be as magical to its employees. If you get a job working for Disney, you will get discounts on any and all Disney merchandise, not to mention getting various hotel accommodations at a pretty low rate. You also get free entrances to Disneyland, free tickets, and even special secret perks. If you want, you can spend every day at the happiest place on earth.
8. Twitter
First of all, if you work for Twitter, you get free meals every single day. So just imagine how much you can save up there! Also, you can get on-site acupuncture sessions, improv classes, or whatever else you feel would help you deal with stress. Or, you can just go back to the free buffet and chow down!
9. Facebook
Just like Spotify, Facebook cares about babies and provides its employees with $4000. This can be a godsend and will really relieve a ton of headaches when you become a parent. Four thousand dollars is nothing to scoff at, and can really get you a lot of diapers and pacifiers.
If you’re a company looking to up the ante when it comes to employee perks—but can’t quite go too far like these 9—then give Alsco a call.
We offer many products and packages that provide added benefits of comfort and better health. We can help you find the ones that provide your workers with the best they can expect.
For one, Alsco can make your workplace greener, healthier and safer. Those are not the perks that people take lightly, especially if they spend a big portion of their day at their office.
Photo Courtesy of Unsplash Images by Austin Li
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