From office dogs to university scholarships: Quirky work perks Australians want most
Australian companies are offering employees everything from office dogs to university scholarships. And if you’re not enjoying perks like these, now is the time to ask your boss.
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Office dogs, university scholarships, and the ability to work while travelling the country are some of the quirky perks being offered by employers around Australia.
And now could be the ideal time to hit up your boss for something similar.
The most sought-after benefits by workers are flexible hours/locations, extra annual leave and employer-funded health insurance, according to comparison website Finder.
Finder co-founder and co-chief executive Fred Schebesta says there has been a shift since COVID-19.
“The pandemic has hit Australian households hard – both personally and professionally – and forced us to rethink our work/life balance and the future of work,” he says.
“I do believe employers will want to provide more of these perks and benefits to not only attract and retain talent, but also to create an inclusive culture and to nurture mental health and wellness.
“Now is a great time to speak to your employer about the benefits and perks that matter to you.”
PepsiCo recently introduced its Flextime policy, which allows all non-manufacturing staff to work without specified start and finish times.
Chief executive for Australia and New Zealand Danny Celoni says if employees stay focused on the outcome, they will work in a way that works for them.
“We don’t even question trust anymore, we can implement policies and we know people will turn up and give their best every day,” he says.
“I have no doubt our productivity has increased as a function of this, which is why we believe in it.”
Meanwhile, content curation software company Linktree supports remote work – in fact chief technology officer Mitch Malone has only been into the office four days in the six months he has been with the business.
He has spent the rest of that time working out of his caravan while travelling around regional Australia.
“I can literally do my job from anywhere with an internet connection,” he says.
“I am an outdoor person and like to go rock-climbing and hiking but Monday to Friday I keep myself within the 4G zone and I am able to work effectively.”
Another way employers are attracting and retaining talent is by allowing staff to bring dogs to work.
This is becoming a particularly sought-after perk since COVID-19 lockdowns led to a boom in pet purchases and adoptions.
A survey of 1000 people by Uber Australia reveals three in five believe pets make the workplace better.
Almost a third (62 per cent) believe workplace pets boost their mental health, while 10 per cent believe they build team rapport and positive relationships and 20 per cent believe they decrease stress as owners do not have to worry about their pets being lonely at home.
Uber Australia and New Zealand head of driver Amanda Gilmore says more Aussies want the option of having their fur babies in the workplace.
“When we launched Uber Pet, we really expected it to be something people used mainly on weekends,” she says.
“To see now that 20 per cent of Uber Pet trips are happening during the weekday commute was really startling.”
Industrial designer Shane Talbot, 35, began bringing his chocolate labrador Cali to work with him at industrial design consultancy 4DESIGN about two years ago, when she was a puppy.
“We have about 12 people and Cali has sussed out that Ben is where she goes for cuddles at 4pm; she knows my boss Robbie is most likely to feed her; and Jonno is the one she will play tug of war with,” Talbot says.
“It gives miniature breaks that we need to be taking anyway.
“We are often here 8am to 7pm and she spends 95 per cent of that time asleep under someone’s desk.”
Meanwhile, childcare provider G8 Education rewards its staff with upskilling opportunities, offering a Bachelor Scholarship Program for diploma-qualified educators who wish to become university-qualified early childhood teachers (ECTs).
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There has been a shortage of ECTs since the Federal Government introduced new minimum standards at the beginning of 2020, requiring up to two ECTs per centre depending on its size.
G8 practice development manager Jane Dunstan says the scholarship is a way to reward the commitment of staff and support their career development – but it has also attracted other educators to the business.
WHAT WORKERS WANT
Flexible working 43%
More annual leave 41%
Health insurance 32%
Income protection insurance 26%
Professional development training 19%
Free lunch provided 19%
Free gym membership 15%
Life insurance 11%
Source: Finder survey of 1066 Australians asked to pick their top three benefits
Originally published as From office dogs to university scholarships: Quirky work perks Australians want most