Would you think of implementing one of these 20 quirky employee perks?

We may be dashing the dreams of thousands who watched Tom Cruise in his rendition of Jerry McGuire, but “showing the money” isn’t always the best method of incentivising staff. Sure, no matter what anyone says, money will always play some role when it comes to selecting a job, but after years of working for the same company staff will start to feel less motivated.

Essentially, it all comes down to Cruise’s first words: “What can I do for you?” To get the best out of your workforce, this is a key question every business leader needs to raise – and it just so happens that benefits is crucial when considering what steps to take.

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In fact, Glassdoor research has found that 34 per cent of Brits cited benefits and perks as being among their top considerations before accepting a job – and we’re not talking about fruit baskets and free coffee. If you really want to hook and retain a few loyal-for-life employees then try a discount at your local pub, a villa in Italy that staff can use free of charge or… free bacon?

These are actual methods employed by firms looking to attract top talent beyond the means of pensions, healthcare and company cars. Spanning from Growing Business Awards nominee Skyscanner to Google, bosses have started to realise that while your run of the mill perks might get people in the door, when it comes to keeping and satisfying them, it’s a different story. 

If you need some inspiration to devise the ultimate employee perk then take a look at the benefits these 20 firms came up with:

(1) Huddle gives employees a £5,000 joining bonus called a “Huddle Cuddle”, as well as a gift worth £500 every year.

(2) TranserWise takes all staff away on annual, all-expenses-paid company holidays.

(3) Airbnb offers employees £1,413 to travel and see the world.

(4) Skyscanner has negotiated staff discounts at the local pub and beauty salon.

(5) The Body Shop pays for five volunteering days per year.

(6) Peninsula Business Services lays on a Christmas party for employees’ children.

(7) AutoTrader UK has a wine club, giving employees discounted wine delivered to their door every month.

(8) Jive Software offers staff free food including Bacon Thursday and Hot Food Friday, healthy snacks, free drinks including soft drinks, beers on tap and coffee.

(9) Opus Professional Services has a villa in Italy that staff can use free of charge whenever they want.

(10) Visualsoft offers unlimited holiday time and unmonitored flexitime, allowing staff to take the time off that they need.

(11) CA Technologies helps parents out with an on-site Montessori day care facility.

(12) Rackspace offers employees an extra day off for their birthday.

(13) Allen & Overy provides a GP and dentist on-site, helping to keep employees’ health in tip-top condition.

(14) Pentland Brands provides an on-site swimming pool, gym, tennis court and football pitch.

(15) ARM Holdings offers employees a four-week sabbatical for every four years of service.

(16) ASOS employees benefit from a 40 per cent discount on website purchases.

(17) Swinton Insurance gives employees an additional day’s holiday for Christmas shopping.

(18) Google provides employees with free food while they are at work, with a range of different cuisines on offer.

(19) Jagex offers staff free bicycle repairs at the office, encouraging them to cycle to work and keep fit.

(20) Holiday Extras hires out a cinema every year and offers a free film showing to all employees and their families.

Image: Shutterstock

By Shané Schutte

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