5 Companies With the Best Employee Perks
The five companies with the best employee perks may have you considering a career change or offering suggestions to your boss on ways to improve the workplace.
Microsoft
Not only do most careers with Microsoft pay well, but they also offer strong benefits packages to accompany the salaries. As a Microsoft employee, you receive regular bonuses for strong performance and also earn stock in a company that traditionally performs well in the stock market. The company promotes healthy lifestyles among employees, so all employees of Microsoft receive special benefits such as discounted gym memberships and regular health screenings that occur in the workplace. Families will find discounts for childcare and paid maternity leave for males and females. To encourage charitable contributions, Microsoft will match up to $12,000 a year in donations and will also donate $17 for every hour you volunteer with a charitable organization. You’ll also have access to a wide variety of continuing education courses and other free education opportunities.
Google offers multiple benefits to its employees. In addition to stock options and comprehensive benefit plans, employees also receive a life insurance policy that is worth twice their annual salary, short-term disability insurance and access to an employee assistance program, which provides counseling and legal consultation at no charge. Employees at Google save on food costs because they have access to free lunch, dinner and snacks throughout the day. Families with a new baby are eligible for up to 12 weeks of paid maternity leave for new mothers and seven weeks of paid maternity leave for new fathers. New parents may also receive up to $500 to cover the cost of take-out meals during the first three months of the baby’s life.
Zappos
Zappos, an online retailer, regularly tops lists of top companies because of the benefits it provides for employees. The company pays for 100 percent of medical benefits for all employees, including acupuncture and prescription services. Employees also receive access to comprehensive dental, vision and life insurance plans. Those who choose to spend time volunteering are rewarded with paid time off to help complete volunteer work. Free breakfast, lunch and snacks are offered to all employees, along with regular monthly team outings to help employees get out of the office and bond with one another.
SC Johnson
SC Johnson, which produces a wide array of products, offers employees competitive opportunities and the training necessary for advancement in the company. All benefits are available to employees regardless of their position. Employees are encouraged to develop long-term career plans with the company and are evaluated annually on how they are progressing with the plan. Benefits for families include extended paid maternity leave, free childcare and significant discounts on vacation packages. You may also develop flexible work arrangements to help when difficult situations arise.
Intuit
Intuit, known for its tax and business software, offers a wealth of benefits for employees. All employees, whether permanent or seasonal, receive stock options and medical benefits. Through the Employee Assistance Program, employees have access to free counseling to help with multiple situations, from family issues to financial and legal assistance. Employees are also given up to four hours per week to spend time working on their own creative projects while at work.
