Eight Great Job Perks What They Are and Where to Get Them
What would it take to lure you to a particular company? Free cappuccino? The option of taking a sabbatical? A concierge to help you arrange your child's birthday party?
These are just some of the perks offered at a few of the "100 Best Companies to Work For 2006," according to the annual list compiled by Fortune magazine. These creative benefits speak to the unique workplace cultures of listed companies. Here's a snapshot of some of the most interesting perks. Perhaps there is one that strikes a chord with you.
Company Parties, Concierge Service and More Genentech in San Francisco, Calif., has Friday night blowouts to offer its employees a chance to unwind and foster interaction. On-site daycare, a company store, on-site haircuts and a concierge service that can arrange children's birthday parties are some other advantages. If you're a high-ranking executive who feels you earned the private parking spot and spacious office, then this may not be the place for you because execs and employees are treated the same. This company was ranked No. 1 in Fortune's "100 Best Companies to Work for 2006."
No Bosses or Job Titles That's right. A stiff hierarchy is avoided at
W.L. Gore & Associates out of Newark, Del., a company perhaps best known for making Gore-Tex fabrics, Elixir Guitar strings and Glide dental floss.
Babysitter on Board On-site childcare with a "date night" option, on-site medical center -- S.C. Johnson in
Racine, Wis., has several programs to ease the tug of work/family responsibilities. "Because it's a family-owned company, our programs really speak to family values," says S.C. Johnson's Petrell Ozbay. The on-site childcare center frequently takes pictures of the kids and e-mails them to the parents, and will watch children while parents go out on a "date." Summer hours, flexible schedules, telecommuting arrangements and an on-site recreational complex also help employees achieve work/life balance. And it's working, as evident in their paltry 2 percent employee turnover rate.
Flaunt Your Faith Prayers frequently open meetings at
HomeBanc Mortgage in Atlanta, Ga. If you've ever felt pressured to "hide your faith under a bushel," then this organization may be your place to shine.
Picking Up the Grad School Tab Boston Consulting Group in
Boston, Mass., will send you to graduate school to get your MBA and foot the bill! It's a great way to combat rising college costs and gain valuable work experience along the way.
Complete Healthcare Coverage You read that right: get health insurance coverage for you and your dependents paid for by the
Kimley-Horn & Associates engineering firm in Cary, N.C. This clearly bucks the trend of employers passing on ever-rising healthcare costs to employees. You also could be eligible for annual bonuses of up to 1 percent of your salary and a generously funded 401(k) retirement plan.
Unlimited Sick Leave Yes! SAS Institute Software Developers, based in
Cary, N.C., offers its employees unlimited sick leave. And that's only the beginning. Free health insurance, childcare for just $300 a month, an on-site medical facility and three weeks of vacation after one year.
Altruism Pays Employees of Timberland, the boot and outdoor gear manufacturer in
Stratham, N.H., gives employees who buy a hybrid car a $3000 credit and pays for up to 40 hours a year for community volunteer work.
Copyright 2006 CareerBuilder.com.
