06 February 2020 | Prithvi Pandya
Workplace perks offered by employers have grown by more than 160 per cent in four years, according to data logged by job site Indeed.
Indeed analysed some of the most popular perks included in job postings on its platform, discovering that food-related perks grew by 273.4 per cent between 2015 and 2019, and alcohol perks, including happy hours and beer fridges, rose by 124.2 per cent.
Other benefits related to games, including office ping-pong tables, table tennis and pool tables, increased by 90 per cent.
Free breakfasts were the most popular fringe benefit on offer, making up more than a third (35.6 per cent) of those listed in employers' job postings. This was followed by free lunches, which made up a fifth (20.5 per cent) of perks, and the chance to play table tennis (17.4 per cent).
The biggest growth was in free dinners, with postings including this benefit increasing by 1,476 per cent in four years. Second came ping-pong tables (a 628.5 per cent increase), and free breakfasts in third place (a 292 per cent increase).
Bill Richards, UK managing director at Indeed, said: "Workplace perks are a tried-and-tested way to attract and retain workers, and our data shows more employers are thinking more creatively when it comes to looking after their staff.
"From the worker's point of view, good perks help make the working day more fun, and can reward hard work. For the employer, they offer a chance to signal what the workplace culture is like, and a way to differentiate themselves from other employers in a highly competitive labour market.
"The rise in the number of companies offering free meals and snacks as well as workplace games like table tennis and pool also suggests employers are focusing on the wellbeing of their staff. There is an operational business case for perks, too. Free meals, games and socialising opportunities encourage mingling and discussion amongst staff and can help increase overall levels of happiness, which means staff are likely to be more productive."