Employee Perks Beyond Your Paycheck

Paid time off, health insurance, and retirement plans are the standard benefits provided by many companies. But these days, benefits packages may include other perks that can save you time and money, and help you achieve a more rewarding work-life balance.

These mood-boosting perks may be available at your new workplace:

• Transportation passes. Monthly bus or rail passes paid for by your employer or sold to you at a discount will reduce the cost of your commute.
• Flexible scheduling. The opportunity to work from home or telecommute cuts down on transportation costs. Flextime, the option to begin your workday earlier or later than the standard, can help you balance work and personal commitments.
• Gym memberships. A group discount or an employer-sponsored membership can save you money, and if the office has a workout facility, you’ll save yourself time, too.
• Tuition reimbursement. To keep quality employees up-to-date, some companies will pay tuition for approved educational expenses.
• Training or professional development. Companies can help you develop professional skills and may pay for you to attend classes, workshops, or conferences.
• Food. Whether it’s a dinner out on the company’s dime or a weekly lunch for the office, getting a free meal is a surefire way to keep morale high. (And it will help your wallet, too!)
• Casual dress code. Instead of donning a jacket and tie each day, you may be able to enjoy wearing jeans and casual shirts instead—either on specific days or as the usual dress code. This perk could save you from having to upgrade your wardrobe and can add a little comfort to your workday.
• Dog-friendly offices. In some companies, well-trained dogs can accompany their owners to work, cutting out the cost of a dog walker or doggie day care.
• Company discounts. Discounts on company products or partner programs can save you money on a variety of items, from clothes to food, depending on your industry.
• Office personalization. If you’re able to customize your workspace décor, you’ll feel more at home. And when you work in a space you enjoy, you might be more productive.
• Concierge services. Concierge services can assist employees with completing daily tasks. They may save you time on tasks such as arranging transportation, planning vacations, or ordering entertainment tickets.

These kinds of workplace perks can improve a company’s chances of recruiting and retaining quality employees. So if you find yourself in the fortunate position of having to decide between two or more job offers, don’t forget to compare benefits packages. It could mean the difference between having a good job and scoring a dream job.