Beyond the Paycheck: The Wildest Employee Benefits You Won’t Believe
August 29, 2023
Beyond the Beanbag Chair: Exploring Unique Employee Benefits
It’s easy to picture a modern workplace as filled with ping pong tables and free snacks. We’ve all seen the images of Google employees playing volleyball and relaxing on the lawn. But some companies are taking employee perks to a whole new level, offering benefits that go far beyond the typical health insurance and 401k. Let’s dive into some of the most surprising and innovative ways companies are attracting and retaining top talent.
The Rise of Unlimited Vacation Time
The concept of unlimited vacation time might seem like a dream, but it’s a reality for employees at a growing number of companies. Initially championed by Netflix in 2004, the idea is based on a shift in focus – prioritizing results over hours worked. Co-founder Reed Hastings famously dismissed tracking vacation days as an “industrial-era habit,” emphasizing employee accountability and trust. Inspired by Netflix’s success, other companies like Virgin Group have embraced the unlimited vacation model. While the list of companies offering this benefit is impressive – including Zynga, Groupon, Glassdoor, and HubSpot – it’s important to understand the nuances. It’s not a free pass to perpetually be on vacation.Who’s Offering Unlimited Vacation?
- Netflix
- Virgin Group
- Zynga
- Groupon
- Glassdoor
- Evernote
- VMware
- Hubspot
- Ask.com
- Motley Fool
- Eventbrite
- ZocDoc
- SurveyMonkey
Getting Paid to Walk Away: The “Pay to Quit” Trend
Believe it or not, some companies are actively paying employees to leave. This unconventional strategy, often referred to as “pay to quit,” is designed to identify and encourage those who aren’t fully committed to the company. It’s a way to proactively weed out employees who might be underperforming or unhappy, allowing the company to focus on retaining and nurturing its most dedicated team members.The Evolution of “Pay to Quit”
Zappos initially pioneered this approach in 2008, offering a $1,000 bonus to employees who chose to resign. Amazon, which later acquired Zappos, took it a step further with their annual “Pay to Quit” program. The offer starts at $2,000 and increases by $1,000 each year an employee remains, capping out at $5,000. Riot Games takes it to another level, offering new employees up to $25,000 (10% of their annual salary) to quit within the first 60 days.Beyond the Headlines: Other Creative Employee Perks
While unlimited vacation and “pay to quit” grab headlines, many companies offer a diverse range of unique and appealing benefits. These perks demonstrate a commitment to employee well-being and a desire to create a positive and engaging work environment. They range from practical amenities to experiences designed to reduce stress and foster a sense of community.A Sampling of Unexpected Perks
The variety is truly impressive. Workman Publishing allows employees to take naps whenever they need them, inspired by a book on the benefits of napping. Advance Medical provides free beer on “Beer Cart Fridays,” resulting in remarkably low employee turnover. Chitika offers a juice bar, gym, free laundry service, catered lunches, and a driving stipend.- Nationwide Insurance: Brain-training games for stress relief.
- Chesapeake Energy: On-site fitness center with a volleyball pit, climbing wall, and swimming pool, plus a dental center.
- StumbleUpon: Organic meals, gym memberships, an in-house masseuse.
- Greatist: Zen room for meditation, yoga classes, and unique team activities like samurai sword fighting.
- Healthy Labs: Free gym memberships, fresh food, and charitable donation matching.
