ajcjobs > BlogBreak > Archives > 2007 > January > 17 > Entry
What are the hidden perks of your job?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sometimes, we just really luck out when we get a new job! It’s great that the job is interesting and that we’re happy to be in our new role. But it’s even better to land at a place that offers its employees small, unwritten perks that cost the company very little, but really make a difference in the work life of the employees.
Some companies randomly give away sports tickets to a lucky winner a few times per year. One company I know keeps the fridge stocked with sodas for the office staff. Another company has an agreement with the YMCA for discounted membership and offers employees flexible lunch hours, so they can work out during the day.
One of the managers I worked for several years ago would schedule our staff meetings for 3:00 pm, every other Friday. We had offices all around town, so it made sense for us to meet at a central, off-site location. Most of the time, we finished our meetings a little early, so we all looked forward to beating rush hour traffic and getting home early on those Fridays. This little perk cost the company nothing and fostered a positive attitude among our staff.
Flex-time or the ability to occasionally work from home is perhaps one of the biggest perks that companies can offer. In a city like Atlanta, when traffic is miserable and unpredictable, having a staggered start time makes a lot of sense. What a fabulous perk to be able to work from your laptop on your back deck on a warm, spring day! That is, as long are you’re actually working!
What kinds of hidden perks are you finding at the places you’ve worked? Are there any perks that you miss now that you’re not at your former employer? Any ideas for Atlanta employers who are looking for creative workplace solutions to boost employee retention and morale?
Comments
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By John
January 17, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this
At my company, we work a “9/80” schedule - 9 days and a total of 80 hours. We work 9 hour days Monday through Thursday, 8 hours on one Friday and every other Friday we get off of work. It’s a 3 day weekend every other week!
By bc
January 17, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this
From my old job I miss not having to clock in!!! We used to use paper time sheets, very old school but it was great!! If you were late it didn’t matter as long as you were getting your job done! Also I miss the relax dress code…jeans, t-shirt, sneakers!! It was fun….too bad the pay wasn’t great =(!!
By Ellen
January 17, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this
Teleworking, flextime and compressed work weeks are great arrangement if your employer is open to the idea. Not only does it get you out of traffic and give you a little extra time at hom, but it also saves gas money, wear and tear on your car, and boosts morale. If your employer does NOT offer any of these perks, consider getting in touch with The Clean Air Campaign. Our trained staff is ready to come to your workplace and get the ball rolling for you and your employer. We also can provide the documentation necessary to set up a formal program. Check out our web site http://www.cleanaircampaign.com/your_commute to learn more! Ellen Macht, executive director, The Clean Air Campaign