Revealed: Australia’s best work perks
Just as money talks, so too do staff benefits. From cash bonuses to holidays, take a look at the best work perks offered by some of Australia’s biggest companies.
National
Don't miss out on the headlines from National. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Extra annual leave, 26 weeks paid parental leave and free company shares are just some of the best job perks being offered by Australia’s biggest companies.
With reports two million Aussie workers were likely to quit their job in the past few months and into the new year, top-performing ASX 200 companies have been ramping up employee perks.
In addition to professional development, flexible and/or hybrid working and discounts on retail outlets, many are dangling enticing carrots to help people find more downtime, start a family or get discounts on home loans.
Burn out and increased workloads have been revealed as the biggest reasons people wanted to quit, research from Allianz Australia found.
But the packages workers are on, including benefits, can mean the difference between people staying or going, according to recruitment agency Robert Half director Nicole Gorton.
“Companies can’t just give 15 to 25 per cent pay increase to everyone but they can revisit remuneration packages to give their workforce financial comfort that hopefully will reduce the possibility of people resigning. And really looking at the benefit packages,” Ms Gorton said.
“People are at different stages in their life, so different benefits will be attractive. Some people like gyms, others don’t.”
Benefits can include things such as flexible work schedules including part time work, different working hours, or hybrid rosters where people can work from home for a portion of the week or even more remote, such as working abroad for a few months of the year.
Leave entitlements could be bolstered too, such as increasing annual leave access to eight weeks, offering family or domestic violence leave, volunteer or charity days as well as extended parental leave and even fertility or miscarriage leave, Ms Gorton said.
Melbourne mum-of-two Tiffiny Lewin said having access to an additional week of leave for fertility needs — which was introduced at Westpac on November 29 — was “amazing” and wished it was available when she was going through IVF treatment.
Ms Lewin, who is Head of Customer Excellence at Westpac, was 40 when she and husband Andy turned to IVF after trying for seven years to have a second child. They now have two daughters, Mia, 20, and Greta, 12.
“(IVF) is a really intense emotional journey and this leave gives people the grace to step away from their workplace and actually take care of themselves both physically and psychologically, which are massive parts of this journey,” she said.
“You get a microscopic understanding of how your body is failing, which was so distressing emotionally.”
She added the pain from the treatments and egg harvesting also took its toll, and would have taken two fertility leave days a month while she was undergoing IVF.
Indeed senior Asia-Pacific economist Callam Pickering said there had been an increase in job ads this year offering remote working, paid parental leave and four-day work weeks, as well as signing bonuses to attract staff.
He said while remote working had dipped this year was 2.2 times more than pre-pandemic levels, signing bonuses had increased three-fold this year and 14 times higher than prior to October 2019, and in the past three years job adds mentioned 4-day work weeks had more than doubled.
Mr Pickering said “paid parental leave is an increasingly important selling point for Australian employers trying to attract jobseekers”, with it noted in 7.4 per cent of Australian job postings on Indeed in the first half of 2022, up from 4.8 per cent during the same period a year ago.
Sarah Lindsay, senior public relations manager at Intrepid, said the perks, such as a free Intrepid trip each year and discounts on travel, were big drawcards for joining the travel business, as was aligning with her values.
“After spending two years in lockdown, the opportunity to travel the world for free was very enticing” the Melbourne woman said.
“When I finished up at my last gig, I decided my next job would be at a place where I could have a positive impact and feel good about the work I was doing. Joining a values aligned organisation was my number one criterion when job hunting, so the fact that Intrepid is a certified B Corp was a big win.”
The outlook for 2023 could see wages increase for in-demand sectors, according to SEEK senior economist Matt Cowgill.
He said the fastest growth in advertised salaries in the past year was for lower paid roles, such as hospitality and tourism, “rising by an average of 4.8 per cent over the year to October 2022”.
He said in the same period trades and services experienced the fastest annual growth in advertised salaries, and was also “one of the most in-demand industries, with the greatest volume of job ads on site”.
“If demand for talent to fill these roles continues we can expect wages growth to also continue,” he said.
Ms Gordon said Australians could expect to see increased internal promotions, companies focused on maintaining headcount rather than expanding their teams, and the prioritisation of specific niche skills, such as cyber and network security shape the hiring market in 2023.
News Corp has compiled an index of the best work perks offered by some of Australia’s top-performing ASX 200 companies.
BHP
Employees are offered performance-based bonuses and the BHP shares program. Depending on the role, there are flexible working options, bicycle racks with locker and end of trip facilities, as well as relocation support and subsidised housing or utilities. Staff can access 18 weeks of paid parental leave, which can be split between both parents if both work for BHP. Retirement or pension benefits are offered, as well as discounts with major retailers and insurance providers.
Commonwealth Bank
Staff can receive up to $1000 in CommBank shares a year, as well as income protection insurance should they have a long-term illness or injury. Paid parental leave of 13 weeks and super paid for primary carers of up to 52 weeks, with access to a return-to-work bonus. There are a variety of leave options, including the ability to purchase up to four weeks’ additional leave a year. Salary sacrifice can be used to purchase $5000 of additional shares, cover some child care fees, motor vehicle and parking. There are scholarship opportunities for staff children, and depending on the role there are flexible and hybrid working arrangements. Staff can access discounts on retail and hotels, bank accounts, credit cards, loans, insurance and financial planning.
National Australia Bank
NAB staff can access a range of leave options, including defence, sport, volunteer or pre-natal leave. For parental leave, new parents are offered up to 24 months of primary parental leave of which up to 12 weeks is paid and a return to work bonus is offered.
There is access to discounts on NAB products, competitive rates and discounted fees on home loans, credit cards, insurance, financial planning, as well as private health insurance, entertainment and retail. Salary sacrificing is offered to potentially access up to four additional weeks of annual leave, motor vehicles, extra super contributions and carparking.
Westpac Banking
Westpac last week announced it was offering paid leave for employees undergoing fertility treatment. It also offers 16 weeks’ paid parental leave for primary carers or four weeks for support carers, as well as super paid for up to two years of unpaid parental leave. Grandparents can take up to 12 months unpaid leave. There are a variety of other leave entitlements, including up to four weeks paid leave and one year of unpaid leave for gender affirming; uncapped domestic and family violence leave, and miscarriage leave. There are also discounts on banking products, such as home or car loan/insurance (even after you leave the company), as well as retail brands.
ANZ Bank
Staff get discounts on ANZ banking, lending, credit cards, financial planning, as well as car and home loans. There is access to the Qantas club, discounts on travel, health insurance, flowers and other products and services. Staff benefits also include salary packaging and employee share schemes. There are a variety of leave entitlements, including paid parental leave of 12 weeks for the primary carer regardless of length of service and up to two years unpaid leave.
Woodside Energy
Woodside employees can get 18 weeks’ paid parental leave for primary carer and super paid during an unpaid parental leave for up to two years. Staff can access relocation assistance if required, as well as performance-based incentives, health insurance allowance and professional development.
Macquarie Group
Employees are offered discounts on home loans, retail, insurance, as well as onsite gyms and fitness classes. Leave entitlements include one wellbeing day a year, volunteer days and 10 paid days of emergency volunteer leave, and up to five additional days of leave based on length of service. Employees can purchase up to four days of additional leave and take up to three months of unpaid leave. Primary carers can access 20 weeks of paid parental leave with no minimum tenure, as well as 12 paid transition back to work days (ie work four but get paid for five over 12 weeks or a variation). Co-parents can access up to six weeks paid leave. There are also employee-led groups, such as book club, choir and sporting groups.
Santos
Santos staff get super paid at a rate of 10.5 per cent, as well as salary continuance insurance if unable to work for an extended period. There are performance-based incentive programs and service anniversary gifts, as well as employee share plan, discounts on insurance including private health, and financial study assistance. The company offers 18 weeks’ paid parental leave and up to 52 weeks unpaid leave after one year of continuous service, where super will also be paid for the duration of leave. There is also a childcare subsidy for primary carers returning to work of 50 per cent out of pockets costs up to $10,000 for child per year for up to three years. There is also access to salary packaging and social club, which includes discounts for a variety of goods and services.
Whitehaven Coal
Staff can become owners of the company through annual $1000 employee share gift program, as well as professional development opportunities, including women’s leadership development. Relocation packages are offered to live in northwest NSW, incentive plans and 26 weeks paid parental leave with super for primary caregivers.
REA Group
Hybrid and flexible working arrangements are offered, as well as professional development, access to conferences and courses. It boasts that it offers 20 weeks’ paid parental leave for primary carer and six weeks paid as a lump sum when you return. There is also six weeks paid leave for secondary carer and flexible return to work for four weeks at 75 per cent of agreed hours but at full pay.
Rio Tinto
There is access to staff share program, health and wellbeing support, employee discounts on banking, accommodation, retail and potential for relocation assistance. Primary caregivers can access 18 weeks paid parental leave.
Woolworths Group
There are recognition programs and employee share purchase plans, as well as discounts to Qantas Club, entertainment, travel, health and fitness. Employees can also look for purchase additional leave. There is also the option to access to the staff-only Everyday Rewards Plus program.
Mineral Resources
Employees can get shares in Mineral Resources, which will be doubled after two years by the company. Returning staff can get recognition of their prior service if they did so within five years of leaving. There is a performance-based recognition program, as well as $3000 offered through staff referral program, income protection or death and total or permanent disability. There are a variety of leave options offered including carer’s, domestic violence and paid parental leave for 16 weeks.
ResMed Inc
There is an employee share program, as well as discounts on private health funds. Flexible working arrangements are offered and for those looking to have a family, it offers 20 weeks paid parental leave.
Ramsay Health Care
Permanent staff and employees can access discounts for themselves or immediate family when admitted to Ramsay Health Care facility in Australia. There are also options for scholarships and education assistance for professional development, discounts to private health insurance, gym memberships and banking. As well as in-house childcare and in-house gym.
Coles Group
Staff can access 12 weeks’ paid parental leave for primary carers and four weeks for secondary, with no eligibility requirements for permanent staff. They can also get access to discounts on Coles and partner brands. Recognition programs, long service gifts and option to partake in the staff shares plan.
QBE Insurance
Employee perks include recognition programs, voluntary super contributions that the company will match, income protection insurance, access to the wellbeing program, which including wellbeing coaching, nutrition, counselling, flu vaccinations, as well as financial and legal advice. The is access to financial and leave support for study/professional development. There are a range of leave options including volunteer leave, 12 weeks flexible gender-equal paid parental leave (including super for an unpaid parental leave in the first 12 months).
Suncorp
Staff can access the company shares program, as well as discounts on insurance, banking products, retail and health insurance. There are a range of leave options including volunteer and emergency response, as well as 16 weeks’ paid parental leave for primary carers and three for secondary. Staff who successfully refer new permanent employees get a $1000 bonus. There is also incentive programs and opportunity for study support or career breaks.
ASX Ltd
Staff can get access to discounted shares, as well as professional development with potential for financial support. There is also access to discounts on professional, home, care, travel, entertainment and shopping. Staff can access a range of leave, including one day of volunteer leave and 15 weeks paid parental leave. New mums can also get up to one hour of paid leave a day for breastfeeding.
APA Group
Staff can access to mentoring and coaching programs, leadership development, on-the-job training, and can purchase additional leave or apply for career breaks. There is 18 weeks’ paid parental leave for primary carer and four weeks for secondary carers. Breastfeeding support is also offered, as well as access to 24-hour counselling, online health and fitness programs.
Insurance Australia Group Ltd
Staff can benefit from short term performance-based rewards program, as well as 13 per cent super, access to the employee share program where you can get $1000 worth of shares for only $900. They also offer up to 50 per cent discount on personal insurance programs from NRMA, SGIO, SGIC and CGU providers, as well as discounts related to home security, technology, health, transport, financial services, travel and appliances. Staff can buy up to an additional six weeks of annual leave. Long-term employees will be rewarded with mid service leave of one week annually on the seventh, eight and ninth anniversaries, and two months of leave after 10 years service. There is also 14 weeks paid parental leave for primary carer plus additional six weeks pay on return to work and three weeks paid parental leave for secondary carer.
Qantas Airways Ltd
Staff can purchase additional leave options, have access to discounts on shopping, food, wine and insurance, as well as health and wellbeing, leisure and entertainment. They can also get discounts on flights as well as access to the employee share program. There is 14 weeks of paid parental leave offered.
Northern Star Resources
There is an employee share program, as well as a gold price variable bonus, income protection, access to subsidised health insurance and performance-based rewards program. There a range of leave entitlements including paid family/domestic violence leave as well as 20 weeks paid parental leave for primary carers in additional to a return to work bonus and four weeks paid leave for secondary carers.
Origin Energy
Staff can purchase an additional four weeks of annual leave a year, as well as take career breaks of three to 12 months. There is also 20 weeks of paid parental leave for primary carers without any qualifying time period and ‘pass the baton’ leave to split between primary and secondary caregivers. People undergoing medical gender affirmation can access six weeks of paid leave or 12 weeks at half pay. Other benefits including income protection, performance-based payments, employee share plan with potential to receive up to $100 worth of ordinary shares in the company, as well as employee referral program (with donation match for Origin Energy Foundation partner).
The Lottery Corporation
Staff are offered a range of leave including flexi leave for a birthday or special celebration, cultural leave, volunteer leave, domestic/family violence leave, gender affirmation, 18 weeks paid parental leave with no qualifying time, as well as leave for miscarriage, IVF or pregnancy-related illness or loss. Staff can also purchase an additional four weeks of annual leave, access to a portal for a variety of things including recipes, workouts, health assessments and mindfulness. There is also access to corporate discounts and a one-off home office payments to set up a remote workspace.
Treasury Wine Estates
There are recognition and service awards, as access to deals on products from the business, including discounts on cellar door sales and some meals. In addition, eligible employees will receive free TWE products each year. Staff can access volunteer leave, as well as matched donations for employee fundraising. There is also an employee share plan, where the company will give staff an additional matched share for every two purchased shares. Staff can also access discounts on car deals, health and travel insurance, as well as gym memberships and computers.
TPG Telecom
Flexible and hybrid working arrangements are offered. There are a variety of leave entitlements including volunteer leave, an additional four days ‘Your Leave’ for eligible employees and gender affirmation leave. As part of its gender equality initiative, female employees who have been with the company for more than 12 months get an additional two payments of $250 a year. There is 16 weeks paid parental leave for primary carers as well as return-to-work benefits such as work four but get paid for five days a week for the first six months of returning to work for eligible employees. There is also access to professional development and training opportunities.
Lendlease
Staff can access a range of health benefits, including subsidised exercise programs, wellbeing leave and mental heave programs. There are professional development opportunities, as well as recognition programs and employee share options.
AGL Energy
Staff can access discounts on energy for family and friends, as well as up to $1000 worth of AGL shares for eligible employees. AGL provides 20 weeks of paid parental leave and two weeks for secondary carer at time of leave. There is also volunteer leave and study leave with possible reimbursement for education feels. Staff can also access various corporate deals and discounts, as well as deals on income protection, travel and accommodation as well as health club and activewear.
Oz Minerals
There are performance-based rewards, as well as access to a corporate health plan through Bupa and Medibank. Staff can also access exclusive deals from over 400 retailers. Paid parental leave of 16 weeks is offered to primary caregivers and four weeks for secondary, with six months minimum services. Super is also paid during unpaid parental leave. There is also access to professional development and leave for study with potential for financial support as well.
Fortescue Metal Group
There is a staff incentive program and long service leave of 13 weeks after 10 years or six and half weeks from five years. Staff can also access a share scheme and get super of 11 per cent. There is 16 weeks paid parental leave as well.
Telstra
Staff can access corporate discounts on a range of products including health insurance and 25 per cent off Telstra products and services. There is also options to purchase additional leave.
Transurban
There are annual performance-based incentives, company share options as well as training opportunities and flexible or hybrid work. Staff can also enjoy paid volunteering days, domestic violence leave and 16 weeks paid parental leave with no waiting period.
Sonic Healthcare
Staff can access discounts to medical services such as pathology and radiology, as well as retail, gym memberships, health insurance and travel. Paid parental leave is also offered.
IGO Ltd
There are performance-based rewards programs, a staff share purchase program as well as referral bonus for new recruits. Staff can also access fitness programs, complementary health checks, skin checks, flu vaccinations. There are various leave options including paid domestic violence leave and 16 weeks paid parental leave for both parents plus paid super on unpaid leave.
Wesfarmers
Staff benefits include the Wesfarmers shares program and annual incentives program. It is understood that staff can also get discounts to Wesfarmers-owned companies. Staff are also entitled to 16 weeks paid parental leave.
South32
Eligible employee can get free shares annually, as well as 14 weeks paid parental leave. There are performance-based rewards and a range of leave including paid volunteer days.
Bendigo and Adelaide Bank
Staff get access to a fee-free bank account, as well as discounts on home and personal loans, credit cards and insurance. There are also programs to get increased super contributions and income protection, as well as financial assistance and leave for relevant studies. Staff get 12 weeks paid parental leave regardless of gender, as well as discounts on a range of retail products including cars, Samsung and Lenovo computers.
Bank of Queensland
Employees are offered a range of financial benefits through Bank of Queensland products, such as fee-free bank accounts, discounted insurance, credit cards, home and personal loans. There is access to the annual BOQ share plan, as well as professional development opportunity and study assistance. There is a recognition and reward programs
Dexus
Staff can access to a range of health benefits including a $100 monthly wellbeing allowance for gym memberships, massages of hobbies, FitBit reimbursements, flu vaccinations, skin, health and health checks, health insurance discounts. They also get an additional five days of leave annually, access life coaches, financial advice. There is also an employee share program, recruitment referral program. Primary carers can access 16 weeks of paid parental leave and secondary gets four weeks, with access to 92 weeks unpaid parental leave and continued super contributions for that time.
AMP
Employees can get up to 12 per cent super, option to purchase up to four weeks of additional leave a year. They can access discounts on AMP products and services such as financial planning, bank accounts and home loans, as well as deals on health insurance and savings from more than 300 retailers. There is an annual innovation and ideas festival and flexible working arrangements. Staff can access 14 weeks paid parental leave.
Viva Energy
Staff get 12 per cent super contributions and for staff working part-time with children or those on unpaid parental leave will get the contributions at full-time. There is also access to income protection and flexible working arrangements. Staff get 25 per cent discount off Shell-branded fuels for up to two vehicles per employee. Staff charity donations will be matched. Primary caregivers can access 14 weeks paid parental leave and secondary carers can access three weeks.
Flight Centre Travel Group
Employees can get access to discounted travel and retail outlets, employee share program as well as employee referral bonuses. There is a free annual wellness consultation, access to financial services and corporate health insurance discounts. There are a variety of leave options including volunteer leave, study leave, domestic violence leave and the giving bank, where staff can donate unused personal leave to colleagues. There is also six weeks paid parental leave to permanent employees who have completed a minimum 24 months service.
NIB
Staff can get access to discounts on health and travel insurance. They can also access the company’s wellbeing program, which offers mental health support, life and financial coaching, nutritional and legal advice. There is also the option to purchase additional annual leave days and take part in staff incentive plans. Up to 18 weeks paid parental leave for all parents, regardless of whether primary or secondary carer in the first two years of the child’s life. There is also 10 to 20 days of family and domestic violence paid leave, gender affirmation leave, two days of grandparents leave and bereavement leave.
Beach Energy
There is an employee share program, as employee referral program and discretionary bonuses. There is a workplace giving program matched by Beach, as well as corporate and retail discount, wellbeing initiatives and professional development opportunities. Paid parental leave of 13 weeks if offered regardless of gender and subsided childcare is available.
Fletcher Building
Primary carers can access 26 weeks paid parental leave or take it at half pay for 52 weeks and secondary carers will receive four weeks paid leave. if both parents work for the company, they can share the 30 weeks of total parental leave. Parents can return to part time work at 80 per cent but at full pay for six months and get an additional five days of new parent leave for the first year back at work. There is also access to company share scheme with free award shares, leadership and professional development opportunities, as well as discounts on Tradelink and Fletcher Building products, travel, banking, optical and health insurance.
Carsales.com
Staff are offered flexible and hybrid or remote working, with support for home office if predominantly working from home. The company offers six weeks paid gender transition leave, as well as 18 weeks paid parental leave for primary caregivers and four weeks for secondary. Primary caregivers can also get five days of leave upon returning to work. Staff can take part in hackathons, as well as recognition programs.
Brickworks
Eligible employees who meet their probation period can receive an additional week of pay as a sign on bonus. Staff can also access the employee share plan, discounts on products, and take part in awards and recognition programs. Brickworks offered eight to 12 weeks paid parental leave depending on length of service, as well as free physio services, fruit and sacks.
GPT Group
Staff can access 16 weeks paid primary carer’s leave or three weeks secondary carer’s leave, with super contributions during unpaid parental leave. There is a childcare allowance for 12 months upon return to work as well as a working mothers group support network. Staff can access professional development as well as support for study for formal qualifications, such as five days a year for study leave. Staff and their families can get discounts on entertainment, shopping, health and lifestyle. There are recognition programs for service millstones as well as flexible working options.
JB Hi-Fi
Staff can access discounts on a range of products, as well as commission. There are professional development opportunities and 12 weeks paid parental leave for primary caregivers, as well as $150 JB Hi-Fi voucher.
*All companies offered professional development and training, as well as employee discounts for retail and other services. Many offered periods of unpaid leave/career breaks, as well as EAP. Most also offered hybrid and/or flexible working arrangements, depending on the role.
Originally published as Revealed: Australia’s best work perks
Join the conversation
‘I hid him’: Tyrrell’s grandmother speaks
Two years before William Tyrrell vanished without a trace, he went missing for the first time – now the “mastermind” of that disappearance has spoken.
Read more
Labor faces housing affordability backlash
Voters are set to punish Labor as housing affordability firms as the key issue ahead of the next election alongside concerns over falling living standards and retirement.
Read more