Company Perks

Company Perks

Company Perks: Meaning and Examples (+ Company Perks Value Calculator)

Company Perks: Meaning and Examples (+ Company Perks Value Calculator)

What are employee perks and incentives?

Employee perks and incentives are additional benefits and rewards provided by employers to their employees, above and beyond their regular compensation. These perks and incentives are designed to improve employee satisfaction, engagement, and overall well-being in the workplace. They can take various forms, such as healthcare benefits, flexible work schedules, remote work opportunities, professional development opportunities, gym memberships, employee discounts, and more.

Offering employee perks and incentives can help organizations attract and retain top talent. By providing these additional benefits, employers can demonstrate their commitment to the well-being and satisfaction of their employees. This can lead to higher employee morale, increased productivity, and lower turnover rates. Perks and incentives can also contribute to a positive company culture and help to differentiate a company as an employer of choice.

In today's competitive job market, offering attractive perks and incentives can give employers a competitive edge in recruiting and retaining the best employees. It's important for HR professionals to regularly assess and update the perks and incentives offered to ensure they are aligned with the needs and preferences of their workforce.

Examples of company perks

In this section we provide a list of examples of company perks.

  • Flexible working hours: Allowing employees to set their own schedules promotes a healthy work-life balance and accommodates different personal responsibilities. This flexibility can lead to increased job satisfaction and reduced burnout.

  • Remote work options: Offering the ability to work from home or other locations not only improves productivity but also allows employees to create a personalized work environment. This perk is especially valued in today's globalized and digitally connected world.

  • Professional development opportunities: Investing in employees' growth through training, workshops, or educational reimbursements demonstrates a commitment to their career advancement. This can lead to enhanced employee engagement and a more skilled workforce.

  • Health and wellness programs: By providing gym memberships, yoga classes, wellness stipends, or on-site fitness classes, companies show they care about their employees' physical and mental health. Such initiatives can lead to a happier, healthier, and more energized workforce.

  • Life insurance benefits: Offering life insurance as a part of employee perks can provide significant peace of mind to the workforce. This benefit assures employees that their loved ones will have financial support in the event of unforeseen circumstances. Life insurance policies, whether basic or supplemented with additional coverage options, demonstrate a company's commitment to the long-term well-being and security of its employees and their families. It's a perk that underscores the company's understanding of its employees' life stages and personal responsibilities, contributing to a caring and supportive workplace culture.

  • Paid time off: Generous vacation and sick leave policies ensure that employees have ample opportunity to rest and rejuvenate. This not only supports their wellbeing but also leads to increased productivity when they return to work.

  • Employee assistance programs (EAPs): Access to counseling, financial planning, and legal advice under EAPs can be a lifeline for employees dealing with personal challenges, thus fostering a supportive work environment.

  • Childcare assistance: Providing childcare benefits, subsidies, or flexible working arrangements can be a significant relief for working parents, helping them balance professional and personal responsibilities effectively.

  • Stock options or profit-sharing: These financial incentives tie employees' rewards to the company's performance, fostering a sense of ownership and alignment with the company’s success.

  • Commuter benefits: Offering subsidies for public transportation, parking, or even supporting cycling to work initiatives can significantly ease the daily commute, making the journey to work less stressful and more eco-friendly.

  • Company-sponsored social events: Events like team outings, holiday parties, or volunteer days strengthen team bonds and company culture. They offer a fun break from routine and encourage collaboration and camaraderie among employees.

In this section we provide a list of examples of company perks.

  • Flexible working hours: Allowing employees to set their own schedules promotes a healthy work-life balance and accommodates different personal responsibilities. This flexibility can lead to increased job satisfaction and reduced burnout.

  • Remote work options: Offering the ability to work from home or other locations not only improves productivity but also allows employees to create a personalized work environment. This perk is especially valued in today's globalized and digitally connected world.

  • Professional development opportunities: Investing in employees' growth through training, workshops, or educational reimbursements demonstrates a commitment to their career advancement. This can lead to enhanced employee engagement and a more skilled workforce.

  • Health and wellness programs: By providing gym memberships, yoga classes, wellness stipends, or on-site fitness classes, companies show they care about their employees' physical and mental health. Such initiatives can lead to a happier, healthier, and more energized workforce.

  • Life insurance benefits: Offering life insurance as a part of employee perks can provide significant peace of mind to the workforce. This benefit assures employees that their loved ones will have financial support in the event of unforeseen circumstances. Life insurance policies, whether basic or supplemented with additional coverage options, demonstrate a company's commitment to the long-term well-being and security of its employees and their families. It's a perk that underscores the company's understanding of its employees' life stages and personal responsibilities, contributing to a caring and supportive workplace culture.

  • Paid time off: Generous vacation and sick leave policies ensure that employees have ample opportunity to rest and rejuvenate. This not only supports their wellbeing but also leads to increased productivity when they return to work.

  • Employee assistance programs (EAPs): Access to counseling, financial planning, and legal advice under EAPs can be a lifeline for employees dealing with personal challenges, thus fostering a supportive work environment.

  • Childcare assistance: Providing childcare benefits, subsidies, or flexible working arrangements can be a significant relief for working parents, helping them balance professional and personal responsibilities effectively.

  • Stock options or profit-sharing: These financial incentives tie employees' rewards to the company's performance, fostering a sense of ownership and alignment with the company’s success.

  • Commuter benefits: Offering subsidies for public transportation, parking, or even supporting cycling to work initiatives can significantly ease the daily commute, making the journey to work less stressful and more eco-friendly.

  • Company-sponsored social events: Events like team outings, holiday parties, or volunteer days strengthen team bonds and company culture. They offer a fun break from routine and encourage collaboration and camaraderie among employees.

Pros and cons of company perks

Employee perks are increasingly becoming a focal point in the modern workplace, playing a pivotal role in shaping company culture, employee satisfaction, and overall organizational success. As businesses strive to attract and retain top talent, the implementation of various employee perks is often seen as a strategic move. However, while these perks can offer significant advantages, they also come with potential downsides that organizations must carefully consider. Balancing the benefits against the drawbacks is key to creating a sustainable and positive work environment.

Pros of Company Perks

The advantages of offering company perks are numerous and multifaceted. Firstly, they serve as a powerful tool for attracting and retaining top talent in a competitive job market. By offering unique and desirable benefits, companies can differentiate themselves, drawing the attention of highly skilled professionals. Secondly, perks such as flexible working hours, wellness programs, and remote work options greatly enhance employee morale and job satisfaction.

This improvement in well-being often leads to increased productivity and a more harmonious workplace atmosphere. Furthermore, such perks reflect a company’s commitment to the holistic well-being of its employees, which can foster a sense of loyalty and belonging among the workforce. Additionally, perks like professional development opportunities not only contribute to the personal growth of employees but also enhance the collective skill set of the organization, ensuring it stays dynamic and competitive in its industry.

By investing in employees’ personal and professional development, companies create a culture of continuous learning and improvement, which can be a significant driving force for innovation and growth. Lastly, well-designed perk programs can also play a crucial role in building and reinforcing a positive company culture, an aspect increasingly valued by modern professionals.

Cons of company perks

The implementation of employee perks, while beneficial in many ways, does present several challenges that companies must navigate. A primary concern is the financial burden these perks can impose, especially on smaller businesses. Extensive perks programs can be costly to maintain, potentially impacting the company's bottom line. Additionally, there's the risk of creating unintentional workplace divisions. If certain perks are tailored to or more accessible for specific groups of employees, it can foster feelings of inequality and dissatisfaction in others, thereby affecting overall workplace harmony. Another significant challenge lies in measuring the return on investment for these perks. Without clear, quantifiable benefits to the company, justifying the expenses associated with a comprehensive perks program can be difficult, potentially leading to its discontinuation. There's also the challenge of ensuring that the perks offered are in alignment with the company's overall business strategy and culture. Perks that don't resonate with the core values or objectives of the company may fail to yield the desired results and could even counteract the intended positive impact. Finally, there is a risk of perks becoming expected entitlements over time, potentially leading to difficulties in modifying or scaling back these benefits in the future, which can be necessary due to economic shifts or strategic reorientations. Thus, while employee perks can be a powerful tool for fostering a positive work environment, they require careful consideration and strategic planning to avoid these potential pitfalls.

Employee perks are increasingly becoming a focal point in the modern workplace, playing a pivotal role in shaping company culture, employee satisfaction, and overall organizational success. As businesses strive to attract and retain top talent, the implementation of various employee perks is often seen as a strategic move. However, while these perks can offer significant advantages, they also come with potential downsides that organizations must carefully consider. Balancing the benefits against the drawbacks is key to creating a sustainable and positive work environment.

Pros of Company Perks

The advantages of offering company perks are numerous and multifaceted. Firstly, they serve as a powerful tool for attracting and retaining top talent in a competitive job market. By offering unique and desirable benefits, companies can differentiate themselves, drawing the attention of highly skilled professionals. Secondly, perks such as flexible working hours, wellness programs, and remote work options greatly enhance employee morale and job satisfaction.

This improvement in well-being often leads to increased productivity and a more harmonious workplace atmosphere. Furthermore, such perks reflect a company’s commitment to the holistic well-being of its employees, which can foster a sense of loyalty and belonging among the workforce. Additionally, perks like professional development opportunities not only contribute to the personal growth of employees but also enhance the collective skill set of the organization, ensuring it stays dynamic and competitive in its industry.

By investing in employees’ personal and professional development, companies create a culture of continuous learning and improvement, which can be a significant driving force for innovation and growth. Lastly, well-designed perk programs can also play a crucial role in building and reinforcing a positive company culture, an aspect increasingly valued by modern professionals.

Cons of company perks

The implementation of employee perks, while beneficial in many ways, does present several challenges that companies must navigate. A primary concern is the financial burden these perks can impose, especially on smaller businesses. Extensive perks programs can be costly to maintain, potentially impacting the company's bottom line. Additionally, there's the risk of creating unintentional workplace divisions. If certain perks are tailored to or more accessible for specific groups of employees, it can foster feelings of inequality and dissatisfaction in others, thereby affecting overall workplace harmony. Another significant challenge lies in measuring the return on investment for these perks. Without clear, quantifiable benefits to the company, justifying the expenses associated with a comprehensive perks program can be difficult, potentially leading to its discontinuation. There's also the challenge of ensuring that the perks offered are in alignment with the company's overall business strategy and culture. Perks that don't resonate with the core values or objectives of the company may fail to yield the desired results and could even counteract the intended positive impact. Finally, there is a risk of perks becoming expected entitlements over time, potentially leading to difficulties in modifying or scaling back these benefits in the future, which can be necessary due to economic shifts or strategic reorientations. Thus, while employee perks can be a powerful tool for fostering a positive work environment, they require careful consideration and strategic planning to avoid these potential pitfalls.

Best resources for company perks

Here is  a selection of five books and online resources that are particularly relevant and beneficial for HR professionals interested in employee perks:

  • The Employee Experience Advantage: How to Win the War for Talent by Giving Employees the Workspaces they Want, the Tools they Need, and a Culture They Can Celebrate by Jacob Morgan - This book explores how organizations can create experiences for employees that benefit both the company and the employees themselves. It covers various aspects including how physical space, technology, and company culture (which includes perks and benefits) can be leveraged to create a more engaged and productive workforce.

  • Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose by Tony Hsieh - While not exclusively about employee perks, this book by Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh discusses creating a strong company culture and an environment where employees are happy and engaged. It provides insights into how Zappos successfully used employee perks and a unique corporate culture to drive business success.

  • Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) - SHRM remains an invaluable resource with its extensive collection of articles, research papers, and other resources focused on employee benefits and perks. It's an essential go-to for HR professionals seeking current industry insights and best practices.

  • Glassdoor - Glassdoor continues to be a crucial source for real-world insights into various companies' perks and benefits, offering employee reviews and ratings that can help HR professionals benchmark their own perks programs.

  • ERE Media - Known for its high-quality articles, webinars, and whitepapers on HR topics, ERE Media offers specific insights into employee perks, making it a valuable resource for staying on top of industry trends and best practices.

Here is  a selection of five books and online resources that are particularly relevant and beneficial for HR professionals interested in employee perks:

  • The Employee Experience Advantage: How to Win the War for Talent by Giving Employees the Workspaces they Want, the Tools they Need, and a Culture They Can Celebrate by Jacob Morgan - This book explores how organizations can create experiences for employees that benefit both the company and the employees themselves. It covers various aspects including how physical space, technology, and company culture (which includes perks and benefits) can be leveraged to create a more engaged and productive workforce.

  • Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose by Tony Hsieh - While not exclusively about employee perks, this book by Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh discusses creating a strong company culture and an environment where employees are happy and engaged. It provides insights into how Zappos successfully used employee perks and a unique corporate culture to drive business success.

  • Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) - SHRM remains an invaluable resource with its extensive collection of articles, research papers, and other resources focused on employee benefits and perks. It's an essential go-to for HR professionals seeking current industry insights and best practices.

  • Glassdoor - Glassdoor continues to be a crucial source for real-world insights into various companies' perks and benefits, offering employee reviews and ratings that can help HR professionals benchmark their own perks programs.

  • ERE Media - Known for its high-quality articles, webinars, and whitepapers on HR topics, ERE Media offers specific insights into employee perks, making it a valuable resource for staying on top of industry trends and best practices.

Create a better place of work today

Create a better place of work today

Simplify your people workflows and bring value to everyone in the organisation. Experience Humaans today.

Simplify your people workflows and bring value to everyone in the organisation. Experience Humaans today.

Company Perks Value Calculator

The Company Perks Valuation Calculator is a simple calculator designed to help HR professionals and employees quantify the total value of the benefits and perks offered by a company. By entering details such as health insurance contributions, retirement plan contributions, annual bonuses, paid time off value, and other perks, users can calculate the total monetary value of these benefits.

The Company Perks Valuation Calculator is a simple calculator designed to help HR professionals and employees quantify the total value of the benefits and perks offered by a company. By entering details such as health insurance contributions, retirement plan contributions, annual bonuses, paid time off value, and other perks, users can calculate the total monetary value of these benefits.

Frequent Asked Questions (FAQs) about Company Perks

What are some common employee perks offered by companies?

Employee perks often include health and wellness programs, employee discounts, flexible work schedules, professional development opportunities, and paid time off. Additionally, some companies offer unique perks like on-site childcare, pet-friendly offices, or free meals to further enhance employee satisfaction.

Why are employee perks important for a company?

Employee perks are vital as they help attract and retain top talent, boost morale, and enhance job satisfaction. They also contribute to a positive company culture and demonstrate a company's investment in its employees' holistic well-being, which can significantly impact productivity and loyalty.

How can employee perks benefit employees?

Employee perks promote work-life balance and overall well-being, offering personal and professional growth opportunities. They serve as tangible expressions of a company's appreciation for its employees, potentially leading to increased job satisfaction and a stronger sense of company loyalty.

How can companies determine which perks to offer?

To decide on perks, companies should consider employee feedback and industry trends. It's also beneficial to analyze the specific demographics and lifestyles of their workforce, ensuring that the perks offered are relevant and genuinely valued by employees.

How can companies communicate employee perks to their employees?

Companies can effectively communicate perks through onboarding materials, the company intranet, and regular updates. It's essential to ensure that all employees are aware of these benefits and understand how to utilize them, possibly through informational sessions or dedicated points of contact for queries.

How do employee perks impact company branding?

Employee perks can significantly influence how a company is perceived externally. A robust perks program can enhance the company's employer brand, making it more attractive to potential candidates and positively influencing public perception.

Can employee perks contribute to diversity and inclusion efforts?

Yes, thoughtfully designed employee perks can support diversity and inclusion by catering to the varied needs of a diverse workforce. For instance, offering perks like prayer rooms, parental leave, or support for employees with disabilities can make the workplace more inclusive and accommodating.

What are some common employee perks offered by companies?

Employee perks often include health and wellness programs, employee discounts, flexible work schedules, professional development opportunities, and paid time off. Additionally, some companies offer unique perks like on-site childcare, pet-friendly offices, or free meals to further enhance employee satisfaction.

Why are employee perks important for a company?

Employee perks are vital as they help attract and retain top talent, boost morale, and enhance job satisfaction. They also contribute to a positive company culture and demonstrate a company's investment in its employees' holistic well-being, which can significantly impact productivity and loyalty.

How can employee perks benefit employees?

Employee perks promote work-life balance and overall well-being, offering personal and professional growth opportunities. They serve as tangible expressions of a company's appreciation for its employees, potentially leading to increased job satisfaction and a stronger sense of company loyalty.

How can companies determine which perks to offer?

To decide on perks, companies should consider employee feedback and industry trends. It's also beneficial to analyze the specific demographics and lifestyles of their workforce, ensuring that the perks offered are relevant and genuinely valued by employees.

How can companies communicate employee perks to their employees?

Companies can effectively communicate perks through onboarding materials, the company intranet, and regular updates. It's essential to ensure that all employees are aware of these benefits and understand how to utilize them, possibly through informational sessions or dedicated points of contact for queries.

How do employee perks impact company branding?

Employee perks can significantly influence how a company is perceived externally. A robust perks program can enhance the company's employer brand, making it more attractive to potential candidates and positively influencing public perception.

Can employee perks contribute to diversity and inclusion efforts?

Yes, thoughtfully designed employee perks can support diversity and inclusion by catering to the varied needs of a diverse workforce. For instance, offering perks like prayer rooms, parental leave, or support for employees with disabilities can make the workplace more inclusive and accommodating.

Trusted by global organisations

Trusted by global organisations

Create a better place of work today

Create a better place of work today

Simplify your people workflows and bring value to everyone in the organisation. Experience Humaans today.

Simplify your people workflows and bring value to everyone in the organisation. Experience Humaans today.

HR software for modern People teams to onboard, manage and grow their employees.

HR software for modern People teams to onboard, manage and grow their employees.