Attracting and retaining the best talent has become increasingly competitive. While companies have been upping their game with standard benefits such as maternity leave, professional growth opportunities, and mental health support, some organizations are going the extra mile by offering a slew of under-the-radar perks and unique employee benefits.
In this article, we delve into the world of the most unique and enticing benefits that make certain companies the best places to work.
Benefits of Providing Unique Employee Perks
The best companies offer their employees unique benefits because they understand the importance of employee satisfaction and retention. Not only do these perks increase employee morale, but they also create a positive work culture and attract top talent.
Companies that provide benefits like gym memberships, unlimited vacation time, and wellness programs also see a significant decrease in employee turnover and absenteeism. By showing their employees that they are valued and appreciated, these organizations foster loyalty and dedication among their workforce. Such perks can serve as a differentiating factor when it comes to attracting potential candidates and standing out in the competitive job market.
Types of Unique Employee Benefits
From unlimited vacation days to free gourmet meals, here are some of the most enticing benefits that companies offer their employees.
1. Pet Parent Perks
Gone are the days when only service animals were welcome in the office. Many companies now offer pet-friendly policies, allowing employees to bring their furry friends to work. Beyond that, some organizations even provide “pawternity” leave – time off to bond with a new pet or care for a sick one. Others offer pet insurance to ensure employees’ fur babies get the best healthcare possible.
2. Travel Stipends and Sabbaticals
The world is becoming more connected, and the desire to explore is strong in many. Recognizing this, companies are beginning to offer travel stipends or paid sabbaticals to allow employees to take extended breaks to travel, learn, and refresh. This not only helps in employee rejuvenation but also brings diverse perspectives back to the workplace. This can significantly boost employee retention and engagement.
3. On-site Services
The convenience of having essential services right in the office can save employees a ton of time. This might include on-site childcare facilities, gyms, laundry services, car maintenance, and even spa treatments. This blend of professional and personal service can drastically improve daily life quality.
4. Student Loan Repayment Assistance
With student loan debt being a significant burden for many, organizations are stepping up by offering repayment assistance. This employee assistance program can go a long way in ensuring employee loyalty and easing monetary stresses.
5. Surprise Time Off and Well-being Days
Imagine receiving an unexpected email from HR announcing that the next day is a company-wide day off. Some organizations are giving surprise time off or well-being days to help employees rest and recharge.
6. Personal Development Stipends
Apart from professional growth, companies now invest in employees’ personal growth. Be it learning a musical instrument, attending a painting class, or even trying out gourmet cooking, organizations are providing stipends to encourage personal passions.
7. Home Office Setup Funds
With remote work becoming more prevalent, companies are offering funds to help remote employees set up ergonomic and efficient home offices. This includes quality chairs, dual monitors, noise-canceling headphones, and more. Remote workers truly appreciate the support from companies willing to invest in their success.
BestCompaniesAZ Partners Offering Unique Perks
Now, let’s shine a spotlight on a few BestCompaniesAZ partners that stand out with their unique offerings:
Rocket Companies
Rocket Companies, a titan in the real estate and mortgage sector, has continually showcased its commitment to fostering the dreams and aspirations of its employees. A shining example is its Rocket Home Grant, tailored for first-time homebuyers. This exclusive program enables eligible team members to avail up to $10,000 in down payment assistance, making the dream of homeownership a tangible reality.
Additionally, they offer special mortgage pricing, requiring no initial deposit and featuring discounted closing costs. This benefit isn’t restricted solely to employees; family and friends referred can also enjoy these perks, including a generous $1,500 off closing costs.
Rocket Companies also further invests in its team by allowing them to purchase company stock (RKT) at a 15% discount through the Team Member Stock Purchase Plan (TMSPP). Such unique benefits truly differentiate Rocket Companies, reflecting a blend of professional growth opportunities and personal financial empowerment.
Axon
A leader in public safety technology, Axon displays the value it places on employees by providing unique employee benefits such as fitness center discounts, around the globe,wellness incentives, mental health counseling, ample PTO, and more. Beyond health and wellness, Axon takes pride in helping employees grow with professional development opportunities. This company provides all full-time employees with free access to all of LinkedIn Learning’s courses to help them level up their professional skills. It also created offers a two-year rotational program for early career professionals to embark on leadership development. Overall, Axon is not short on unique perks for employees!
Vanguard
This investment management company invests in its employees. From paid volunteer days to a Health Smart Rewards program, Vanguard ensures employees thrive.
Vanguard takes health and wellness seriously. Leadership understands just how important physical and mental health are to performing your best at work. That’s why Vanguard has fitness and health benefits like an on-site gym and health clinic. Vanguard also offers a flex fund in the form of a $1,500 stipend for employees to use on fitness, leisure, meal delivery, Uber rides, kids activities, or anything else that supports healthy work-life balance. The company also provides adoption and surrogacy support for parents stepping into a new stage of life. The team at Vanguard is grateful for the support it receives from its employer.
KUBRA
KUBRA, an industry-leading provider of customer experience management solutions to some of the largest utility, government, and insurance entities in North America, offers its employees an array of distinctive and valuable perks & benefits. Some of these perks include up to $1,000 per month for dependent care, paid volunteer days, and subsidized continuing education.
But that’s not all KUBRA has to offer! The company also values the health and wellness of its employees and offers healthy onsite snacks, free Headspace and gym membership, as well as paid wellbeing days. All these perks, along with an award-winning culture, make KUBRA a fantastic company to work for!
Workiva
Workiva, a leader in its industry, showcases an unparalleled commitment to its employees, especially evident in its benefits. Travel coverage ensures employees traveling for work have robust accident insurance, notably including coverage for emergency medical evacuations, allowing for peace of mind during professional trips.
Beyond travel, Workiva offers diverse discount programs, ranging from rental cars to essential services like will generation and ID theft protection. Some of the company’s offices embrace a pet-friendly culture, emphasizing a comforting work environment. Additionally, benefits extend to areas like legal support, identity protection, mental health support, an employee stock purchase plan, and even pet health.
Desert Financial Credit Union
DFCU goes the extra mile for its employees. Their “Cash for Kids” initiative is a testament to this, offering reimbursements for children’s extracurricular activities, making it easier forteam members to support their kids’ endeavors. Furthermore, bilingual team members in key roles can benefit from the “Bilingual Pay,” recognizing the added value they offer to the organization.
Beyond monetary benefits, the company celebrates pets with insurance offerings and exclusive discounts and infuses fun into workdays with entertainment perks like discounted tickets to local attractions and periodic “Food Truck Day”’ at the office. It also emphasizes the importance of family through events like “Take Your Kids to Work Day” and ‘”Annual Day at the DBacks.”
In conclusion, unique perks are becoming pivotal in distinguishing companies in today’s competitive market. As the landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see what innovative benefits companies come up with next. For now, however, these offerings show that companies are paying attention to the intricate details of what employees truly want and need.
Ready to be part of a team that truly values both your professional contributions and personal well-being? Companies that go above and beyond by offering unique and fun perks for employees are definitely ones to watch. Whether it’s surprising times off, personal development stipends, or student loan repayment assistance, such non-traditional benefits demonstrate a commitment to overall employee well-being and happiness.
So, when considering your next career move, make sure to keep an eye out for the unique perks from BestCompaniesAZ partners now hiring! See if the company you like is hiring today.
