10 companies with the best perks and benefits

October 27, 2021 5:30 AM

Faced with the rising cost of living and the uncertainty brought by an ongoing pandemic, workers across America are looking for companies that offer relevant and robust benefits.

This also means if employers don’t offer competitive perks and benefits, they risk losing talent. According to LinkedIn’s Global Talent Trend’s 2020 report, companies that were highly rated in terms of compensation and benefits saw a 56% lower attrition rate. The O.C. Tanner Institute’s Global Culture report noted that 59% of employees would quit their current job if offered a similar role with similar pay and benefits at a different company.

What should employers consider adding to their benefits offerings? Comparably, a company that provides culture and compensation data for public and private businesses, has completed its year-long survey, asking employees across 70,000 North American companies about the quality of their benefits, be it mental health assistance, extensive healthcare packages or abundant vacation days. The final results in — here are 10 companies with 500 or more employees with the top-rated perks and benefits.

Google

With onsite wellness centers, 22 to 24 weeks of paid baby bonding leave and one-on-one financial coaching, it’s no surprise Google made it to the top spot. Unlimited sick time and $0 health premiums also means employees already have a supportive system in place in a pandemic.

"Things like three meals a day at high quality restaurants and an extremely nice work environment are the real differentiators," writes a Google employee for the Comparably survey.

Peloton

The exercise and media company covers 90% of premiums for its employees with high deductible health plans, while its life insurance is equivalent to two times an employee’s annual salary. Peloton also added Lyra, a mental healthcare app, to its benefits, offering 25 free sessions per year.

In the survey, one working parent mentions that the company even contributes to the 529 plan, which allows a person to save tax-free money for someone’s education. Along with adoption assistance, up to 18 weeks of parental leave and subsidized child and family care, Peloton seems to consider an array of family needs.

“The 529 contribution is amazing,” writes a Peloton employee. “This was a big sign to me that Peloton cares about attracting and retaining parents, which as a mom I really value.”

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Microsoft

With on-campus retail shops and clinical care, Microsoft was a one-stop shop for its in-person employees pre-pandemic. However, remote workers still benefit from $1,200 reimbursement for activities that add to their wellness, be it a gym membership, caregiver support or financial advising. Not to mention Microsoft provides considerable 401(k) contributions, offering a $0.50 match for every dollar an employee saves.

“Benefits are best in class,” a Microsoft employee writes. “The medical coverage and money for fitness expenses are extremely generous.”

Notably, Microsoft provides 20 weeks of paid leave for birth mothers, but fathers, adoptive parents and foster parents only get 12 weeks.

Adobe

With access to telehealth and wellness apps, the software company has already adapted to an increasingly remote healthcare landscape. Adobe will also reimburse employees up to $600 for fitness classes, nutritional counseling and even healthy activities for kids. The company also offers employees who graduated up to a year ago up to $10,000 to help cover fees related to tuition and course materials.

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Its adoption assistance program gives parents $25,000 for eligible expenses, while its surrogacy assistance program provides $25,000 for non-medical expenses.

Boston Consulting Group

With new hires getting 20 days of vacation time and unlimited sick days, Boston Consulting Group provides above-average flexibility to its employees. The company also helps cover the costs of IVF and egg storage, as well as adoption expenses. New moms are entitled to 16 weeks of paid leave, while dads get 8 weeks.

However, these benefits take a backseat to Boston Consulting Group’s healthcare plans. One employee cannot even recall ever paying medical bills.

“Even healthcare providers comment on how great our coverage is,” writes an employee. “And the best part? Not a dime comes out of my paycheck and my whole family is covered.”

Apple

The tech giant offers birth mothers 16 weeks of paid leave, with an additional six weeks if requested. However, fathers and non-birth parents only get six weeks. Still, its healthcare plans boast low premiums and employees have access to free confidential counseling, be it virtual or in-person. Apple wellness centers include doctors, nurses, dietitians and acupuncturists.

“The focus on health-driven initiatives makes for a healthier environment,” an employee writes. “And the discount on computers is incredible.”

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Facebook

With zero premiums and low co-pays, Facebook healthcare plans are the highlight of its benefits package. Employees and dependents are also eligible for a limited number of free therapy sessions through Lyra. If employees wish to continue seeing a Lyra therapist, their co-pay will be just $10. Facebook provides $720 for wellness expenses, such as gym memberships, sports leagues, and meditation apps.

As for new parents, birth moms get 6 weeks to recover from vaginal delivery and 8 weeks to recover from a C-section. Birth moms are then entitled to four months of paid leave along with all non-birth parents.

Zoom

Zoom parents are also entitled to four months of paid leave, along with access to fertility benefits and adoption assistance. The software company also gives employees unlimited paid time off, but approval will depend on managers and the nature of employees’ projects.

“Our benefits are stellar,” writes a Zoom employee. “Wellness benefits are incredible and the health package is excellent.”

Uber

Employees at Uber are typically entitled to unlimited vacation days and all new parents are given 18 weeks of paid leave. Additionally, Uber offers up to $10,000 for adoption, fertility and surrogacy services. Its partnership with Lyra along with wellness reimbursements rounds out its mental healthcare assistance.

Uber drivers and couriers do not have access to these benefits since the company still considers these workers as independent contractors. However, qualifying drivers can get their college degree online, with 100% of their tuition covered through Uber’s partnership with Arizona State University.

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Ring Central

The communications solutions company provides its employees with free breakfast and lunch every day of the workweek along with an onsite gym. Still, Ring Central supports full-time remote work and offers employees gym membership reimbursements and unlimited paid time off.

New parents can get up to 16 weeks of paid leave as well as an account with the breast milk shipping company, Milk Stork, and a gift box.

“Flexible PTO and free meals are huge perks," writes a Ring Central employee.