Work-life balance has become one of the most important factors for today's employees. And between the remote work boom and the amount of ping pong tables in offices around the country, letting employees get work done with some added freedoms has proven to be a lucrative business model for large companies and small startups alike. But which companies are the best at it?
We've looked into the specific benefits and perks of tech companies from around the world to find the companies with the best employee packages. There's a reason tech businesses are often considered to be the best companies to work for. Check out the companies below to see what employees are raving about most, and get your résumé ready if you're interested in the perks of the business.
Adobe Employee Benefits and Perks (San Jose, CA)
Generous does not even begin to describe the perks and benefits packages at Adobe. Sure, other companies provide things like commuter programs and retail discounts, but this company goes a little bit further. From educational grants to commuter packages, this company is providing its employees with a bevy of perks that can seriously make a difference in retaining top talent.
Education
First off, Adobe offers employees $10,000 per year “for tuition and books for courses, certificate programs and graduate programs that meet the program’s eligibility criteria,” according to their website. Additionally, the company allows employees to set aside pre-tax savings for their children's college education, as well as access to a college admissions and financial aid officers to make the process a little easier on their employees.
Family Care
Speaking of children, Adobe understands the importance of family, which is why they also allow employees to set aside up to $5,000 pre-tax per year for child day care expenses. They even let employees use it for elder care, in the event of an older family member needing assistance. Adobe will even chip in up to $1,200 per year to assist the child care expenses for children up to 13 years old.
Social Good
Doing something good for the world is always a good move, which is why Adobe is so committed to helping employees do just that. The San Jose-based company will match any and all donations and volunteer time up to $10,000 per year.
Airbnb Employee Benefits and Perks (San Francisco, CA)
As one of the most successful companies in the world right now, you know Airbnb is going to have some amazing perks and benefits for employees that call it home. Yes, free snacks and flexible schedules are part of it, but there really is so much more.
Time Off
Airbnb employees are given the flexible option to work from home when necessary, but that's become pretty standard in the business world today. However, what isn't standard is a full two weeks vacation during the holiday months, in addition to other paid vacation days and annual travel credits. Plus, Airbnb provides 10 weeks of paternity leave and even more for maternity leave. Not too bad for a company based in one of the few developed countries in the world without mandatory programs in place for that kind of thing.
Health Benefits
Obviously having some kind of health benefits package has been a necessity for companies for decades. However, many skimp on the coverage, leading to a lot of paying out of pocket; but not Airbnb. They provide incredible comprehensive packages for health, vision, dental, and everything in between with no out of pocket expenses for employees, and only 25 percent for dependents.
Volunteering
There will likely be a few companies on this list that match donations and volunteer time with their dollars. However, Airbnb provides their employees with paid volunteer time to get out and make a difference in their community. Plus, they support the initiative so you can find the best place to volunteer.
Apple Employee Benefits and Perks (Cupertino, CA)
While simply being around all those iPhones and Macbooks would be enough to make any employee drool, Apple does so much more for their employees when it comes to perks and benefits. But with a current market cap of $871 billion, they better!
Discounted Devices
While just a few years ago iPhones and Macbooks were a luxury, they've become a necessity in the world today. Giving employees a 25 percent discount on these items shakes out to quite the hefty sum, particularly around the holidays. Plus, after working there for three years, you can get iPhones discounted $250 and Macbooks discounted $500. Not too shabby.
Maternity & Paternity Leave
Much like Adobe, Apple offers very generous maternity and paternity packages, with 18 total weeks for mothers and six weeks for fathers. Additionally, the company has added a four-week transition period, which will allow workers to get full-time pay while working part-time after leave is over. Apple will even pay if you're interested in having your eggs frozen to start a family sometime in the future. Now that's a new one.
Celebrities
Every company has social events that involved free drinks, tasty appetizers, and even some live music. However, like most things in the company's culture, Apple goes all out with these events, hiring some of the biggest names in music to perform, including Stevie Wonder, Demi Lovato, and many more.
Cisco Employee Benefits and Perks (San Jose, CA)
Photo: Flickr / Prayitno
Setting up shop in the Bay Area is no easy feat for startups these days. But when you're one of the biggest companies in the area, spending on your employees kind of comes with the deal. Fortunately, Cisco does not disappoint.
Social Events
Designated mixers and social events are a big part of a lot of companies' perk package. But at Cisco, each department is given its own budget to do with it what they please. Whether you go out to a bar nearby or do battle at the local laser tag arena, it's up to you (and the rest of your department).
Birthdays
Starbucks and Cisco have something in common: they want to make sure you're celebrating your birthday right. But at Cisco, you don't get a free cup of coffee; you get a full day off. Never work on your birthday again, the way it was meant to be.
Support
Paid perks and benefits are always nice. But studies have shown that a little positive reinforcement goes a long way, which is probably why Cisco has a dedicated recognition platform that allows employees to call out others for going above and beyond for the company. And they come with prizes!
Facebook Employee Benefits and Perks (Menlo Park, CA)
As one of the most powerful tech companies in the world, you know Facebook isn't going to disappoint on perks and benefits. They exemplify the new business model and their packages do a lot to prove that.
Family Planning
This perk has made the list a few times now, and you might think it's getting old. However, Facebook's plan is above and beyond, providing four months of parental leave for mothers and fathers within the first year of the birth or adoption. Additionally, they provide up to $4,000 in “baby cash” for new parents, along with reimbursement for egg-freezing and adoption fees.
Vacation
Vacation time in the U.S. has become notably less important to most companies. But at Facebook, employees get to enjoy three weeks of paid vacation per year. This obviously only applies to full time employees, which is more than understandable for that amount of time.
Heaven in Menlo Park
The company's headquarters in Menlo Park is a veritable heaven of perks and benefits. From a full arcade and barbershop to valet parking and dry cleaning, employees are treated like royalty as long as they're in Menlo Park.
Google Employee Benefits and Perks (Mountain View, CA)
Photo: Flickr / Neon Tommy
The perks and benefits discussion started with Google. Their infamously supportive and flexible culture has spurred the recent boom of tech companies valuing employee more than their bottom line. And, from all of us, thank you!
Pet Friendly
Bring your child to work day is one thing. But on the Google campuses in San Francisco and Mountain View, you are allowed to bring your pets to work freely. Just make sure Fluffy isn't an Amazon fan.
Free Food
Google was one of the companies that inspired tech giants to start offering free food to their employees. However, in addition to the amazingly varied meals they offer, they also provide free beer and wine in the office on Fridays. Talk about TGIF!
Services
Unlike Facebook, Google doesn't have services on-site to take care of employees. However, they do frequently have vendors that come to visit the campus to give employees haircuts, car washes, and even passport service when you don't have time to do it at home.
HubSpot Employee Benefits and Perks (Cambridge, MA)
As Boston becomes one of the major tech hubs of the country, it's no wonder why they've begun to embrace the perks and benefits mentality of the industry.
Vacation
You've probably heard the phrase before and get confused whenever you do: unlimited vacation. HubSpot aims to take the stress and the need to ask permission out of taking some time off, insisting employees simply “use good judgement” when it comes to taking vacation time. And there's no waiting period! Employees get to enjoy unlimited vacation from day one.
Parental Leave
This perk keeps making it on the list and that's because it's important! With so few companies offering something reasonable, the companies that do really stand out. HubSpot is one of those companies, with three months leave for mothers and one month leave for fathers.
401K
Again, this is another common perk within the list, but HubSpot's shines above the rest. By matching employee contributions at 12 percent, they are truly making a statement that their employees' future is just as important as their's.
Indeed.com Employee Benefits and Perks (Austin, TX)
When you're one of the most popular job seeking platforms in the world, you know the importance of retaining talent. Fortunately, Indeed has taken employee care to another level with some pretty sweet perks.
Work Environment
One of the things that remote employees miss the most is the social element of working in an office. At Indeed, employees are treated to one of the most relaxing work environments in the business, with a lax dress code, collaborative team spaces, private work areas, and a social culture that turns coworkers into friends.
Health Benefits
When companies provide health insurance, there's often a catch, leading to copays and deductibles that could ruin you in the event of an accident. Fortunately, Indeed is not one of those companies, as they provide free deductible plans for all full time employees.
Meals
Food is the fuel for your brain, which is why Indeed takes the free meal ideal to the next level. With impressively catered meals and unique snacks available at all times, employees will never hit that 2:30pm wall.
Intel Corporation Employee Benefits and Perks (Portland, OR)
As one of the few companies outside of tech hubs on this list, Intel boasts some of the most impressive tech and one of the longer runs. This explains why they're willing to spend so much on employees: they care!
Career Advancement
As one of the leading technology companies out there, Intel knows the value of improving the knowledge of their employees. That's why, according to their website, they offer career advisors, mentors, networking events, workshops, tuition assistance, certifications, and internal development opportunities for everyone at the company.
Small Perks
They always say that it's the little things that make the difference at a big company, which is true when you consider that Intel provides employees with a bevy of on-site conveniences, ticket giveaways for local sporting/cultural events, travel perks, discounted shopping programs, and much more.
Healthy Living
Trying to be healthy shouldn't be a full time job; you've already got one of those. That's why Intel provides innovative health coverage, onsite health and fitness centers, wellness programs, nutritious food options, and local community events that support a healthy lifestyle for all employees.
Intuit Employee Benefits and Perks (Mountain View, CA)
While you might think a company that deals in nickels and dimes (quite a lot of them in fact) would always be watching their bottom line, Intuit knows that taking care of their employees is the most effective way of being a successful company.
Pet Insurance
No one is going to perform well at work when they're worried about their furry little friend back home. That's why Intuit makes sure to cover pets as well as dependents so you can have peace of mind for your puppy.
Entertainment
There's nothing better than a little fun thanks to work, which is why Intuit provides the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of entertainment options. Examples include movie tickets, broadway show tickets, tickets for theme parks such as Knott’s Berry Farm, Universal Orlando Resort, Six Flags Adventure, and Wild Safari, E-tickets for LEGOLAND, Six Flags, and even SeaWorld.
Family Planning
While some companies feel burdened by employees building a family, Intuit takes care of their own by providing thorough benefits for new children. From parental leave and adoption reimbursement programs to backup day care centers and Well Minds life guidance class, you'll be ready to start a new family, no problem.
LinkedIn Employee Benefits and Perks (Mountain View, CA)
Retaining talent is hard, and no one knows that more than LinkedIn. As perhaps the most recognizable job searching platform in the world, LinkedIn wants to keep their employees more than anyone else, which is why they offer such great benefits.
Holidays
Folks, I think we have a winner. In addition to the generous vacation time, LinkedIn recognizes 17 national holidays, giving employees plenty of time off to spend with their families for any number of important holidays.
Finances
Paying a hefty salary is one thing. But if your employees don't know how to handle their cash, what's the point? That's why LinkedIn provides employees with financial classes that can help them set budgets and invest.
Fitness
On-site gyms are nice, but they often lack the machines you want or the convenience you need. Fortunately, LinkedIn provides employees with a $2,000 “Perk Up” bonus that can go towards fitness classes, massages, and even child care.
Microsoft Employee Benefits and Perks (Redmond, WA)
When your founder is one of the richest men in the world (depending on what Jeff Bezos is up to that day), you know that you're going to get some awesome perks. Microsoft delivers on this promise with a few pretty great benefits for their employees.
Education
Improving your career is easy for employees, thanks to Microsoft. In addition to “tuition and textbook reimbursement for approved work-related courses, they offer amazing internal resources such as technical, management and professional development classes, a visiting speaker series, TechFest and even their own library,” according to their website.
Sports
Providing on-site gyms and exercise stipends is one thing, but sometimes you just want to go outside and have some fun. In a unique move, Microsoft allows employees to check-out footballs, basketballs, bocce balls, and even bicycles for anything during the day.
Car Chargers
Going green can be hard when your employer isn't on board. But Microsoft is so green that they provide employees with electric car chargers so that they won't have to rush home to get a jump.
MVF Employee Benefits and Perks (Austin, TX)
When you're voted one of the best mid-sized companies to work for, you can bet it offers some serious benefits for its employees. The tech marketing firm emphasizes its commitment to providing employee benefits — like healthcare and financial stability — rather than “perks” — like ping pong tables and arcade machines — in hopes of avoiding the tech industry stigma of flash over substance.
Mental Health
Providing healthcare benefits is one thing, but MVF takes it a step further by providing “a free helpline that offers 24/7 phone support and legal advice for MVFers and their families, plus free counseling sessions,” according to Bjorn Zellweger, CEO of MVF US. Additionally, the company makes a point to offer free wellbeing programs, like biweekly yoga classes, in an effort to make employees feel more at home while at work.
Employee Engagement
Speaking of feeling at home while at work, MVF is big on employee engagement. Whether its at planned social events, in “clubs like wine and cheese, bingo, board game, movie and book clubs,” or on the company's socially-focused Slack channels, MVF is built on a culture of camaraderie, which isn't easy to do with more than 500+ employees.
Celebratory Trips
Just because MVF focuses on prioritizing benefits over perks doesn't mean there aren't some serious perks to working at the company. One prime example is that once MVF reaches its revenue goal, the entire company is invited on an all-inclusive trip to Ibiza, Spain for a fun weekend with coworkers. It's not a retreat, employees don't have to attend classes or seminars, and yes, partying is encouraged!
Netflix Employee Benefits and Perks (Los Gatos, CA)
As one of the most successful, paradigm-shifting companies of the 21st century, you better bet Netflix takes care of its employees. The streaming giant provides a comparatively impressive level of flexibility for employees, as well as a stellar perks and benefits package that stands on its own.
Maternity & Paternity Leave
Despite being based in one of the few countries that doesn't provide maternity or paternity leave to citizens, Netflix has one of the most robust plans in the world. The streaming company offers a full year of maternity and paternity leave for employees, and even offered an unlimited option a few years ago, before opting to change to a year.
On-Site Theater
When you're creating some of the most watched movies and television shows, it's safe to say your employees deserve a taste. Fortunately, the company agrees, which is why it built a 200-seat movie theater in its Los Gatos office so that employees can watch Netflix movies and television shows on the big screen.
Free Lunch
It may see like a trivial addition to such a stellar perks package, but you can never underestimate the value of a good lunch, which is why Netflix offers them to their employee free of charge. Plus, with plenty of free snacks on site, you could save a bundle on meals while enjoying a healthy diet.
PayPal Employee Benefits and Perks (San Jose, CA)
PayPal has been around for years and there's a reason; they know how to take care of their employees. Retaining talent is a great way to ensure success, and PayPal has done so in a way that some companies dream of.
Health Coverage
Even when a company provides free coverage, it can be hard to know what you're getting with all the options. That's why PayPal, in addition to paying for coverage, also helps employees out with Stanford Navigator that helps employees research providers and health conditions, and make informed decisions about health care.
Education
Improving technology is everyone's job, particularly at a company like PayPal. That's why they offer education programs to really get ahead, like the Emerging Leadership Program and Technology Leadership Program, a 2-year rotational program offered to qualified superstar technologists.
Giving Back
Being charitable is easy for big companies, but PayPal wants to get their employees in on the fun, which is why they match donations and volunteer time. They also promote skills-based volunteering that can help you grow while helping the community.
Salesforce Employee Benefits and Perks (San Francisco, CA)
Numbers don't lie — just ask Salesforce. They've got the finger on the pulse of the everyday employee, which is why their perks and benefits packages are riddled with great ideas and unique changes.
Student Debt
At this point in the game, pretty much every new candidate has a bounty of student debt hanging over their head. Fortunately, Salesforce knows this and offers student debt refinancing services to help out.
Ride the Wave
The Ride the Wave initiative at Salesforce is designed to congratulate and celebrate employees that make it to the one, three, five, ten, and fifteen year mark at the company. Between awesome prizes and fun badges, who wouldn't want to work there?
Travel Assistance
Salesforce is committed to ensuring that employees travel with the knowledge needed for a safe trip. To accomplish this, the Corporate Security team utilizes a variety of internal resources, private corporations and government agencies to maintain oversight of worldwide events that may impact employees traveling on business.
SAP Employee Benefits and Perks (Newton Square, PA)
Photo: Flickr / Marc Smith
You don't have to be a software corporation to know that happy employees translates to a successful company, which is why SAP is so committed to making sure none of their employees go with out basic necessity and some fun perks.
Going Green
Some companies offer electric car charging stations at the office to assist employees in going green. SAP took this model to a whole new level, allowing employees to drive electric company cars to kick the gas habit for good.
Stocks
Having a vested interest in the future of the company can only lead to good things, for employees and employers alike. Accordingly, SAP has installed an award-winning employee share purchase plan, enabling employees to own a part of SAP and build long term value.
Travel Insurance
Going on work trips is one thing. But with airlines and airports being more chaotic than ever, taking the risk on travel in your free time can be pretty stressful. Fortunately, SAP provides travel insurance to make sure you never take the brunt of that expense on your own.
Spotify Employee Benefits and Perks (New York, New York)
Spotify is one of the largest music-streaming companies in the world, and they take that role seriously by providing a truly impressive set of benefits and perks to their employees. And with access to the entire world music, those perks can be pretty cool.
Music-Focused Culture
As you might imagine, the music-focused culture of Spotify is substantial. From employee jam sessions to epic concerts, the music streaming giant makes music a big part of the back end of the company in addition to the front end. Conference rooms are even named after famous music venues to drive the message home even further.
Maternity & Paternity Leave
While it's not as robust as Netflix's year-long option, Spotify still offers a decidedly impressive six months off for maternity and paternity leave for parents to get a good footing before coming back to work. The company even offers to pay for fertility treatment, like egg-freezing, so that employees won't incur those additional costs.
Free Lunch
Seriously, who doesn't love a free lunch? Granted, a large chunk of the tech industry subscribes to the use of this perk to keep employees happy. Still, Spotify takes that trend to heart by offering free lunch daily, as well as an array of snacks to keep employees fat and happy!
Square Employee Benefits and Perks (San Francisco, CA)
This up and coming company didn't get to where it is today by treating its employees poorly, that's for sure. Square has made a name for itself with its innovation technology and its commitment to retain quality talent at their organization.
Meals
Yes, some companies offer the occasional catered lunch or even a social event out on the town. But at Square, employees are privileged to a free, freshly made meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Talk about a deal!
Parental Leave
Square sets itself apart from other companies when it comes to parental leave by offering the same for mothers and fathers. Plus with up to three to four months off, any family will be prepared to take on the world.
On-Site Amenities
Working in the Square office is obviously nice because of the free food, but it goes so far beyond that. They also have on-site chiropractic, acupuncture, and massage specialists, along with yoga and meditation classes.
Twitter Employee Benefits and Perks (San Francisco, CA)
The 280 character social media company is often in the news for dealing with harassment on their platform. However, their office couldn't be a more supportive place for employees of all levels, as is evident from the perks and benefits package.
Charity
Giving back is a big factor of talented candidates deciding on a company, and Twitter more than delivers. In addition to donation matching, twice a year the company goes on a #FridayForGood trip to help out a community in need.
Laundry
No matter your tax bracket, doing laundry is a hassle you can do without. That's why Twitter offers its employees free laundry and dry cleaning services, because a clean employee is a happy employee.
Celebrities
It's no secret that Twitter is the voice of the people, but it's also the voice of celebrities, which leads to a wide range of drop-ins and talks from notable speakers like Lena Dunham, Hillary Clinton, and many more.
The Importance of Employee Benefits and Perks
Why are these companies giving away so many perks and benefits, far beyond the expected rewards of salary and basic legal requirements? Because it makes business sense.
Investing in your employees, and showing them you care about their happiness and wellbeing is the best way to manage and boost employee performance. If you treat your staff as the valuable asset that they are, in return, they will put more effort into their work and be more loyal to the business out of genuine affection and respect.
This increase in productivity and employee retention will pay off in higher profits as well as company leaders feeling rewarded by the good karma and stronger relationships at work. You’ll also be able to recruit talented employees more easily, as the best workers will want to work for the most rewarding business.
The twenty companies above all understand this, making them great places to work and more successful businesses because of it.
Day-to-Day Employee Performance
Once you’ve laid the foundation for happy, motivated employees, how do you encourage their performance and allow for personal growth on a daily and weekly basis?
Performance management software can help bring out the full potential of each employee, through clear structure and data driven progress tracking. It’s a really useful software for the finer details of productivity, allowing employees and managers alike to understand what works and what doesn't.