Companies Innovate Workplace Perks to Draw Staff Back: From Extra Leave to Free Lunches

In a bid to lure employees back into office spaces post-pandemic, companies are stepping up their game, offering innovative perks to entice workers away from remote setups. From additional annual leave to free lunches and unique amenities, businesses are striving to create an appealing workplace environment.

For instance, a financial technology company based in Sydney is offering up to seven days of extra annual leave per year for employees who choose to work in the office. Afsoun Rastegari, a people operations assistant at the company, acknowledges the allure of accumulating more leave for longer holidays by opting for office work, despite the daily commute from the south-western suburbs.

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This trend isn’t isolated to Australia. Globally, employers are mandating weekly office days, with close to 90 percent enforcing such policies according to a survey of recruitment firms. However, this transition hasn’t been seamless, as approximately one-third of workplaces reported at least one employee quitting due to office mandates. Research from the United States also suggests that enforcing office days may lead to decreased job satisfaction among employees.

In response to these challenges, businesses are introducing enticing incentives ranging from free kombucha on tap to bonus leave for office attendance. Stake, for example, allows workers to earn extra time off for each day spent working in the office. However, despite such offerings, research indicates that the majority of employees still prioritize flexibility.

A national qualitative study led by the University of Sydney over the past four years underscores this preference for flexibility among workers, transcending geographical location, gender, or industry. Professor Rae Cooper, the lead author of the study, emphasizes the universal demand for flexible work arrangements, regardless of individual circumstances or job roles.

As companies navigate the post-pandemic landscape, it’s evident that while perks and incentives may attract employees, the fundamental desire for flexibility remains paramount for most workers.

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