The flat-pack furniture giant doesn't fall flat when it comes to perks
As the great poet Jessie J once said, “It's not about the money, money, money.” Although a sufficient salary is a must at any job, it's the side perks that really make a company stand out - and as the competitive market of employee benefits gets increasingly cutthroat, it's workers who win.
These days, transit subsidies and gym reimbursements are practically passé. We expect ping-pong tables at a bare minimum. We'll barely bat an eyelash at unlimited snacks and in-house yoga. Companies are getting creative to attract and retain the finest talent in their industries.
The result, say the job experts at Glassdoor, is that every now and then a perk comes along that's truly remarkable in its ingenuity, uniqueness, or life-changing potential. Glassdoor released its annual list of the 20 best employee benefits and perks, and the 2017 entries are guaranteed to spark some envy.
You had no idea you wanted pet health insurance until now.
#1 Ikea
Ikea offers up to four months of paid parental leave to both part-time and full-time employees with at least one year of experience at the company, regardless of whether they work at a retail store or the corporate headquarters.
#2 Reebok
Reebok encourages employees to reach their personal fitness goals by providing an on-site gym with CrossFit classes.
#3 Bain & Company
The Best Place to Work in 2017, holds an annual two-day, global “Bain World Cup” soccer tournament open to all employees. Last year's event was in Brussels. The 2017 tournament will be held in Los Angeles.
#4 Goldman Sachs
Goldman offers coverage for gender reassignment surgery, a benefit the company has offered since 2008.
#5 Facebook
Facebook provides healthcare coverage and free housing for interns. Known for its competitive benefits package, many Facebook interns report earning more than $7,000 per month.
#6 Scripps Health
Scripps Health cares about the wellbeing of its employees' furry family members, offering pet health insurance for cats and dogs.
#7 Starbucks
Starbucks provides full tuition reimbursement for its employees, covering an online bachelor's degree program through Arizona State University.
#8 American Express
Amex's parental leave policy offers up to five months of fully-paid leave for both mothers and fathers. Birthing mothers generally receive an additional 6 to 8 weeks under salary continuation for medical leave. Parents are also given access to a 24-hour lactation consultant, and mothers traveling for business can ship their breast milk home for free.
#9 Eventbrite
Eventbrite helps keep employees healthy by offering a monthly $60 wellness stipend, which can be used on everything from gym dues to juice cleanses.
#10 Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods offers a 20% store discount to all employees, including full-time and part-time employees.
#11 In-N-Out
In-N-Out employees can treat themselves to a free Double-Double burger and fries during each shift.
#12 Deloitte
Deloitte offers two sabbatical programs: an unpaid one-month sabbatical that can be taken for any reason, and a three- to six-month sabbatical that can be taken to pursue personal or professional growth opportunities with 40% pay.
#13 Gap Inc.
Gap Inc. (and all of its brands) provides free access to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art to corporate employees. Gap founders Doris and Donald Fisher worked closely with the museum to feature their prominent private collection.
#14 Microsoft
Microsoft offers an annual $800 “StayFit” reimbursement program to help cover the cost of gym memberships and fitness programs.
#15 Swiss Re
Insurance company Swiss Re's “Own the Way You Work” program encourages employees to embrace flexibility with their schedules and work remotely.
#16 Amazon
Amazon offers two programs for new parents: Leave Share, which allows employees to share paid leave with their partner if the partner's company does not offer paid leave, and Ramp Back, which gives new moms more control over easing back into work. All perks are available for corporate, customer service and fulfillment center employees.
#17 USAA
USAA offers a strong 401k program with an 8 percent matching policy. According to SHRM, the average company in the U.S. matches 6 percent.
#18 Southwest
Southwest offers all employees and their dependents access to Clear Skies, an employee assistance program that provides confidential counseling, work/life services, and legal consultations.
#19 Genentech
Genentech offers unique on-site amenities, including car washes, haircuts, childcare center, mobile spa and dentist.
#20 Timberland
Timberland employees can take up to 40 hours of paid time off per year to volunteer.