Why Quirky Perks Are Important For Employees

Beyond your salary, what perks does your employer provide? It’s often these benefits that helps to retain good employees and to define the culture of a workplace. In this piece, we explore some of the quirky perks being offered in the market. Firstly, physical perks are one of the easiest extras that companies can offer to employees as there is such a huge range of avenues that can be explored. Think free breakfast bars in the mornings. But what companies have gone one step further and chosen physical perks that go above and beyond the conventional? The company that is arguably leading the way with quirky perks is Google whose headquarters, the aptly named Googleplex, has turned into nothing short of an adult theme park. All food is free, pets are allowed into work, massage centres, gyms and swimming pools are onsite, and sleeping pods have been constructed to allow employees to take a much needed break. Google has created a space where all the physical needs of their employees have been catered for, keeping them physically and mentally healthy. Next, have you ever thought about what perks and benefits can be offered with jobs too? You’ll have your standard salary and pension package, but what companies have added extras on to this? Some offer learning and development options, such as on-site classes like the Evernote Academy. Others, such as Epic Systems Corporation, allow a four-week paid sabbatical for their employees to pursue any creative talents after five years at the company. Alternatively, you’ll see companies such as Facebook ensuring all workers have healthy job packages, with things such as giving $4,000 in “baby cash” to any employees who have just had a newborn baby. All companies will provide their employees with some equipment, perhaps in the form of a laptop, work phone or car, but other equipment can be hugely beneficial in the progression of employees. Twilio provide all staff with a Kindle, plus $30 towards book purchases each month, giving them alternative ways to continue their learning; which can have a positive impact on their job too. As well as enjoying perks in the office, employees need time away from the workplace too. This is important for headspace and health, and many companies take this seriously. Virgin was one of the first companies to offer unlimited holidays to staff, while Airbnb provides all employees with an annual credit of $2,000 to travel. Maternity and paternity leave is another crucial area that is important to workers, and forward-thinking companies recognise this. Spotify offer six months paid leave, while Netflix go one step further and give a whole year of paid leave to parents. Other companies also host regular company retreats with employees or whole teams, allowing them to team build in an effective manner, while having a fun paid trip away. The above provides just a snapshot of some of the dozens of quirky perks that innovative companies have offered to their employees in a bid to increase their happiness, productivity and learning, as well as helping them to strike a perfect balance between their work and life. If reading some of these has excited you, why not suggest them to your employer? If this isn’t an option, perhaps it’s time to jump ship and look at careers available with employers who put their workers first?