“Duvet Days” and 6 unusual perks for attracting talent

Companies are going to great lengths to stand out and attract top candidates. Conventional benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and paid vacations are no longer enough.

Today, employers are thinking outside the box and embracing unconventional workplace perks to not only attract but also retain the best talent.

Among these, the concept of “duvet days” has gained significant traction. However, there are many other odd and intriguing perks that companies are leveraging.

Let’s look at these unusual workplace benefits.

1. Duvet Days

Imagine you wake up feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. Instead of dragging yourself to work, you simply call in a duvet day.

Originally a British invention, a duvet day allows employees to take a spontaneous day off to rest and recharge without it being counted against their sick leave or vacation days.

It essentially provides employees the freedom to take care of their mental health without the stigma associated with admitting they need a break. Companies like Type A Media and Australian muesli brand Carman’s Kitchen have successfully integrated duvet days into their culture, experiencing enhanced employee satisfaction and productivity.

2. Pet-Friendly Offices

The joy of having pets around can significantly reduce stress levels and create a more positive work environment.

Some companies have embraced this idea wholeheartedly by allowing employees to bring their pets to work. Google, for instance, is famous for its pet-friendly policy, and employees at Amazon’s headquarters can frequently be seen walking their dogs around the campus.

The presence of pets can foster a sense of community, encourage exercise during breaks, and generally lift morale.

However, it’s essential for companies to set clear guidelines to ensure that pets don’t become a distraction or cause inconvenience to other employees.

3. Unlimited Leave

Unlimited leave may seem counterintuitive, but companies like Netflix and LinkedIn swear by it.

By offering unlimited paid time off, these companies place trust in their employees to manage their workload and take time off as needed.

The result? Employees feel valued and trusted, which can foster greater work efficiency and loyalty. Surprisingly, many employees don’t misuse this perk; instead, they become more mindful about delivering results.

It’s a bold move that requires a strong culture of accountability, but when executed well, it can have extraordinary benefits for both the company and its employees.

4. On-site services to save staff time

Anything that can save people time is always popular.

Offering an on-site barber or beauty service is one such way to ease the hectic life of staff. Facebook’s massive Menlo Park campus houses a salon where employees can get haircuts, manicures, and other grooming services without leaving work. Offering such conveniences not only enhances employee satisfaction but also boosts productivity, as it allows employees to take care of personal errands without needing to take time off.

Mundane chores also add to employee stress levels. To alleviate this, some companies provide in-house laundry services. For example, Evernote offers free dry cleaning and laundry services to its staff. Employees can drop off their clothes at the office and pick them up clean and folded the next day. This unusual perk is a hit among busy professionals who appreciate the convenience and time saved, allowing them to focus more on work and personal aspirations without worrying about household chores.

5. Nap Rooms

Ever sat in a meeting and felt your eyelids getting heavy? It’s the worst feeling.

Sleep deprivation can severely impact productivity and overall health. Progressive companies like Google and Zappos have installed nap rooms in their offices to encourage employees to take power naps during the day.

These designated areas are designed to provide a quiet, comfortable space for employees to recharge. Research shows that short naps can significantly improve cognitive function and overall performance. By promoting healthy sleep habits, companies can expect more alert, focused, and creative employees.

6. Free Meals and Snacks

Offering free meals and snacks is a perk that has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially among tech giants. Companies like Google and Facebook take it a step further by offering gourmet meals prepared by top chefs in multiple on-site restaurants and cafeterias. Providing free, healthy meals not only enhances employee satisfaction but also encourages them to stay on-site and interact with colleagues during breaks, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. Moreover, it ensures employees have nutritious options, contributing to their overall well-being and productivity.

7. Paid Volunteer Time

Increasingly, employees, especially millennials and Gen Z, are looking to work for companies that align with their values and offer opportunities to give back to the community.

Recognising this, many companies now provide paid volunteer time, allowing employees to dedicate a few days each year to volunteer work.

Salesforce, for instance, offers seven paid volunteer days per year. This perk not only helps in community building but also enhances employee morale and engagement. Employees feel proud to be part of an organisation that supports their philanthropic efforts and provides them the time to make a difference.

In Summary

Strange as they may seem, these unconventional workplace perks are revolutionising how companies attract and retain talent. By offering unique benefits like duvet days, pet-friendly offices, and even on-site laundry services, employers demonstrate a genuine commitment to their employees’ well-being and work-life balance.

These innovative perks can lead to higher job satisfaction, improved productivity, and greater employee loyalty.

In the end, it’s about creating an environment where employees feel valued, trusted, and supported. As companies continue to rethink their approach to employee benefits, we can expect to see even more inventive and unusual perks that cater to the diverse needs and preferences of the modern workforce. By embracing these trends, organisations can build strong, motivated, and loyal teams that set them apart in a competitive talent market.

Author - Phil Norton

Phil is the co-founder of Leave Dates, the employee annual leave planner. He loves problem-solving and making life easier for small businesses. If you book a Leave Dates demo, he will give you a warm welcome and show you everything that you need to know.

November 4, 2024