Employee Perks at Companies: How Top Firms Attract and Retain Talent

In today’s competitive job market, employee perks have become essential in attracting, retaining, and motivating top talent. Companies that invest in unique and valuable perks see higher levels of employee satisfaction, engagement, and loyalty. According to studies, 60% of employees report that benefits and perks are a major factor in deciding whether to accept a job offer, and organizations with robust perks have 31% lower turnover rates. This blog will cover what employee perks at companies are and how well you can leverage it into retention.

What are employee perks? 

 
Employee perks are additional benefits offered by companies that go beyond standard compensation and benefits packages. While traditional benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off, perks are often more varied and tailored to improve employees’ overall work experience.

Perks can range from wellness programs and flexible work arrangements to free meals and career development opportunities. They play a crucial role in enhancing job satisfaction, fostering a positive work environment, and increasing overall productivity. 

Types of employee perks 

Following are the different types of employee perks:

1. Traditional perks

Organizations like Google, Johnson & Johnson, and Microsoft offer a variety of health and wellness facilities like mental health, wellness programs, and memberships while Amazon, Apple, and Intel offer financial perks such as 401(k) plans, stock options, etc. 

• Health and wellness: Gym memberships, wellness programs, mental health support, and on-site health screenings help employees maintain a healthy lifestyle. 
• Financial benefits: Stock options, 401(k) matching, and student loan repayment programs provide employees with financial security and incentives.  

2. Modern perks:

Slack, Airbnb, and Zoom Video Communications give their employees the choice of remote work and flexible working hours. Firms like Google, Amazon, IBM, and LinkedIn help their employees upskill by providing them with a wide array of courses, and training programs.  

• Work-life balance: Flexible working hours, remote work opportunities, and paid parental leave allow employees to better balance personal and professional responsibilities. 
• Professional development: Companies offer training programs, educational stipends, and access to online courses to help employees grow their skills and advance their careers.  

3. Unique perks

Etsy and Bumble allow their employees to bring their pets to work while Patagonia, Google, and Microsoft offer onsite childcare services.  

• On-site childcare: Providing on-site childcare facilities helps parents manage their work and family commitments more effectively. 
• Pet-friendly policies: Allowing pets at work or offering pet insurance can create a more relaxed and enjoyable work environment. 

Examples from top companies 

Following are the top companies that have 'perked' up their benefits game like a pro.

1. Starbucks: Comprehensive benefits package 

• Perks offered: Starbucks provides a wide range of perks, including health coverage, stock options, tuition reimbursement, and free coffee. Employees are also given access to mental health resources and wellness programs. 
• Impact: Despite having a high turnover rate of about 65% for full-time employees, this is relatively low compared to other quick-service restaurants, which often experience rates between 150% and 400%. The comprehensive benefits package helps keep Starbucks' retention above the industry average. 

2. Walmart: Extensive health and financial perks 

• Perks offered: Walmart offers extensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and access to educational programs through their Live Better U initiative. They also provide resources for financial planning and adoption assistance. 
• Impact: Walmart’s benefits and perks enhance employee satisfaction and retention by addressing key areas of employees’ lives. The company’s commitment to supporting its employees translates into a more productive and dedicated workforce. 

3. Costco: Focus on employee health and well-being 

• Perks offered: Costco is known for providing exceptional health benefits, generous paid time off, and competitive wages. The company also offers discounts on Costco memberships and services. 
• Impact: Costco is highly regarded for its low turnover rates, significantly lower than industry averages, thanks to exceptional benefits like health care and competitive wages. This focus on employee well-being helps maintain high retention and a positive work environment 

4. General Electric (GE): Professional development and financial perks 

• Perks offered: GE offers comprehensive healthcare, retirement benefits, and numerous professional development opportunities, including leadership programs and educational reimbursement. 
• Impact: GE’s investment in employee growth and financial security helps foster a loyal and highly skilled workforce, driving long-term company success. 

5. Google: Perks that set the industry standard 

• Perks offered: Google is famous for its variety of innovative perks, such as free meals, on-site fitness centers, nap pods, and extended parental leave. The company also provides significant opportunities for career growth and professional development. 
• Impact: Google’s unique perks contribute to its standing as one of the best places to work. These benefits attract top talent and keep employees motivated, creative, and committed to the company’s mission. 

6. Apple: Comprehensive health and wellness benefits 

• Perks offered: Apple provides extensive health insurance, wellness programs, stock purchase plans, and access to exclusive discounts. Employees also benefit from flexible work arrangements and generous vacation time. 
• Impact: Apple’s perks enhance employee satisfaction and loyalty, contributing to a dynamic and innovative company culture that continues to push boundaries. 

How employee perks boost satisfaction and retention

Employee perks are powerful tools for boosting engagement and reducing turnover. According to research from Great Place to Work, companies that offer exceptional perks see a marked increase in employee morale and satisfaction. Perks create a sense of belonging and appreciation, which translates into improved job performance and loyalty. 

1. Enhanced engagement: Offering perks that resonate with employees’ needs can lead to higher engagement levels, as employees feel valued and motivated to contribute their best work. 
2. Increased loyalty: Perks that address personal and professional needs encourage employees to stay with the company longer, reducing turnover and its associated costs. 
3. Improved company culture: A well-designed perk program fosters a positive work environment, enhancing team cohesion and promoting a culture of recognition and support. 

Implementing effective perks at your company

To create a successful perk program, companies should follow these steps: 

1. Assess employee needs: Conduct surveys or focus groups to determine which perks employees value the most. Tailoring perks to meet these needs ensures the program’s success. 
2. Customize your offerings: Align perks with your company’s culture and values. For instance, if innovation is a core value, consider offering creativity-boosting perks such as flexible workspaces or brainstorming retreats. 
3. Communicate clearly: Make sure employees are aware of the perks available to them and how to access them. Clear communication enhances the perceived value of the perks. 
4. Evaluate and adapt: Regularly review the effectiveness of your perks and be open to making adjustments based on employee feedback and changing needs. 

Challenges and best practices  

Following are the challenges and best practices of implementing the perks at the workplace.

Challenges:

• Budget constraints: Balancing the cost of perks with the company’s financial resources can be challenging, especially for smaller organizations. 
• Keeping perks relevant: As employee expectations evolve, companies must continually adapt their perks to stay relevant and competitive. 

Best practices:

• Transparency: Clearly communicate the value and availability of each perk to ensure employees understand what’s offered. 
• Feedback loop: Use employee feedback to refine your perk offerings and ensure they remain valuable and appreciated. 

Conclusion

Employee perks are more than just added bonuses—they are essential tools for fostering employee satisfaction, enhancing company culture, and driving performance. By offering relevant and personalized perks, companies can attract and retain top talent, reduce turnover, and build a thriving, motivated workforce.  

Start by assessing your employees' needs, customizing your offerings, and continuously adapting to ensure your perks program remains effective and impactful. 

Explore how platforms like Empuls can help you plan and manage effective employee perks, tailored to your workforce’s needs.