Please welcome guest writer, Debra Lewis.
Americans are notorious workaholics with 86 percent of men and 67 percent of women putting in more than 40 hours a week. If you’re going to give your all to your job, it’s important to do so in a workplace that gives back. Many top employers are now recognizing the value of pampered employees and offering outstanding perks that will transform your experience on the job. Consider these top picks.
Google’s workplace environment is so luxurious, it seems better suited to an inclusive vacation destination than a working office. You’ll never go hungry here, with 30 gourmet cafes offering free food, not only for lunch but breakfast and dinner as well. Coffee and juice bars across campus can satisfy any thirst. If you need to take a break, the company’s famous sleep pods are available for a quick nap. Dogs are permitted on campus, so you can keep Fido close for furry stress relief as well.
While other bosses may give you a pat on the back for a job well done, Google literally rubs yours. Employees get massage credits for a free hour-long massage on-site as a reward for hard work. Other perks on the campus include free haircuts, billiards tables, video games, a rock climbing wall, a beach volleyball pit, and more.
Netflix
Netflix doesn’t track employee hours or vacation days, so you’re free to take as much as you want, so long as you’re keeping up with your job. Work here feels more like play for entertainment buffs who get to screen new shows in the 200-seat theater and grab great swag when new releases come out. You can even bring your pet to work to make the environment more inviting.
Lunch is catered daily, so you never have to brown bag it. Got the afternoon munchies? Just reach for the complimentary snack drawer. From the outdoor grill to the cozy office lounge area, Netflix has plenty of perks that make employees want to stay.
Amway
If you’re a self-starter looking for a place where you can let loose your ambition, Amway’s benefits are a great fit. One of the most popular perks is the flexible schedule with Amway, which allows you to work as much or as little as you want to stay in line with your personal and professional goals. Flexible spending accounts help employees pay for health care and child care. Other benefits include fitness facilities and a company store.
E-learning and educational support are available, so you can work your way up and continually hone your skills. With locations across 80 countries, Amway has diverse global teams where you’re constantly surrounded by fascinating figures with their own empowering stories to share.
World Wildlife Fund
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) isn’t just passionate about animals; it’s also passionate about its employees. Working for WWF, you’ll enjoy access to an on-site fitness center and free shuttle to DC metro stations. Parents who find their child care unexpectedly unavailable have access to a backup care program, so they won’t have to miss a day of work.
Employees enjoy 15 days of annual leave their first two years, and 20 days a year from their third year on. Up to half of these can carry over if you’re itching for an extended vacation. You can even purchase up to five additional days off at pre-tax costs. You may not need all that time away from the office, though, because WWF closes their doors every other Friday to give you long weekends.
Airbnb
If you’re not sure what to do with your vacation time, Airbnb offers a compelling answer. This company gives its employees $2,000 each year for travel expenses, so they can stay at an Airbnb destination anywhere in the world. Employees report getting three weeks of paid time off, birthdays off work, and a two-week winter break over the holidays. Other perks include free food, transportation subsidies, and a pet-friendly workplace.
With perks like these, it’s easy to see why so many of these big businesses stay on top. Make a note and keep your eye open for empty spots with these employers.
