The companies below provide unique benefits and perks that go beyond the basics:
1. Kronos, Aetna, and PwC offer student loan payoffs. This is a developing benefit being offered by some companies to recruit and retain millennials. It’s an interesting trend to watch because not only will it serve as a retention tool, but it also helps solve a crippling debt problem related to student loans.
2. Netflix offers one paid year of maternity and paternity leave. They also allow parents to return part-time or full-time.
3. REI offers “YAY Days” by offering two paid days off a year to encourages employees to get outside and enjoy their favorite activities.
4. Salesforce promotes volunteering. Employees receive six days of paid volunteering in addition to donating $1,000 to a charity of the employee’s choice.
5. Airbnb gives employees an annual stipend of $2,000 to travel and stay in an Airbnb listing anywhere in the world.
6. Facebook provides $4,000 in “baby cash” to employees with a newborn.
7. Epic Systems Corporation offers employees a paid four-week sabbatical to pursue other creative interests after five years at the company.
8. Twitter offers three catered meals a day and on-site acupuncture and improv classes.
9. World Wildlife Fund employees take Friday off every other week, also known as “Panda Fridays”.
10. Burton employees receive a season ski pass and snow days to hit the slopes after a big snow fall.
11. Asana employees have access to executive and life coaching services outside the company.
12. Twilio offers employees a Kindle plus $30 a month to purchase books.
13. Evernote hosts classes through “Evernote Academy,” which offers team-building courses like macaroon baking.
You probably noticed that top companies offer benefits that are in line with their company culture and mission. As I mentioned in another post, unique perks and benefits are interesting and thought provoking, but can fall flat if you fail to understand what employees actually want.
