It has been said “the way to a worker’s heart is through their stomach”, food related-perks seem to be the most popular incentive on offer to staff with the number of edible rewards increasing by nearly 300 per cent over the past four years.
This research was undertaken by Indeed, which found that food-related rewards have increased by 273 per cent between 2015 and 2019. The same time frame saw alcohol perks, including happy hours and beer fridges, rising by 124.2 per cent, with perks related to games, which include ping pong tables, table tennis and pool tables, increasing by 90 per cent.
It is believed that a job seeker can get an idea of a company’s culture through the perks it offers. As well as the employer seeing a recruitment incentive and improving staff morale and retention by offering them.
Bill Richards, UK managing director at global job site Indeed said:
Workplace perks are a tried and tested way to attract and retain workers, and our data shows more employers are thinking more creatively when it comes to looking after their staff.
From the worker’s point of view, good perks help make the working day more fun, and can reward hard work. For the employer they offer a chance to signal what the workplace culture is like, and a way to differentiate themselves from other employers in a highly competitive labour market.
The rise in the number of companies offering free meals and snacks as well as workplace games like table tennis and pool also suggests employers are focusing on the wellbeing of their staff. There is an operational, business case for perks, too. Free meals, games and socialising opportunities encourage mingling and discussion amongst staff and can help increase overall levels of happiness, which means staff are likely to be more productive.
In order to obtain this data Indeed analysed thousands of job postings on its platform between mid-2015 and mid-2019 using search terms including ‘free breakfast’ and ‘table tennis’ to find the biggest increases in mentions in adverts by employers.
Darius is the editor of HRreview. He has previously worked as a finance reporter for the Daily Express. He studied his journalism masters at Press Association Training and graduated from the University of York with a degree in History.
