The Most Valuable Benefits

Unlimited vacation, ping-pong tables, free food, private concerts. These are the employee benefits of our generation. Historically, benefits such as health and life insurance were provided to compensate for wage reductions. However, for many in the tech industry, these benefits are now expectations. Right now, perks are intended to attract talented candidates to a company’s culture, foster creativity, and offload stress while we are at work.

If I didn’t receive free food, I would just go out to eat. If there weren’t private concerts, I would pay for a ticket to a show. While I enjoy these perks, I’ve come to learn that none of them compensate for being passionate about your work, enjoying the company of your colleagues, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

However, there are a few benefits that may grow employees, improve their happiness, and appreciate their employers more. These are the three most valuable benefits I’ve ever received.

Health and Gym Reimbursement

Health and gym memberships have become a popular benefit. Beyond the obvious benefits of exercise, the reduction in stress helps me focus at work. Furthermore, knowing I keep fit outside of work reduces the amount of concern I have sitting at a desk most of the day. This benefit also helps employers reduce their insurance costs and the non-mutual benefits such as health contests assure me that my employer truly cares.

Recommend Training Programs

While many companies compensate for tuition, when managers actively recommend training sessions for their staff on an individual basis, it doesn’t show a lack of skill, rather it shows that management cares about utilizing the full potential of their employees and pushing us to be the best version of ourselves.

Donation Matching

This has been the fringe benefit I appreciate the most. My company matches donations dollar-for-dollar, and donates $25/hour of volunteering. Furthermore, my company heavily promotes volunteering and donating. While I was apathetic about this at first, I decided to give it a shot my second year. I can’t begin to describe the feeling I had using my time to help others, but I know I was happy the next few days at work.

These perks may not seem special compared to open-bars and onsite massages, but they have a lasting benefit. Whenever I’m off to my next adventure, I will be healthy, a more caring and giving person, and I will continue to learn to be the best version of myself. These benefits last with us for a lifetime.