Unit 16 Reading Activities Plus Questions

The days of simply paying employees a salary and giving verbal praise for a job well done are long gone. Companies that want to attract high potential workers must offer more comprehensive and varied perks and compensation packages in today's competitive labor market. Appealing company benefits are vital to keep staff engaged and productive. But what exactly are these benefits and compensations, and why would people choose them over just being paid a sum of money and be done with it? In this article, we examine the range of company benefits and compensations you will most likely encounter in the job market, using examples from real life. Prepare to learn about the many rewards and compensation options a firm can offer, from stock options and bonuses to health and dental insurance, and more...

When it comes to selecting a job, the benefits and compensation packages offered by a company can play a major role in the decision-making process. Offering employees a pay raise or a promotion as a means of motivation is a more traditional approach to compensation, but nowadays the options are much more diverse. A prime example of a company offering a wide range of benefits and compensation is Google. The tech giant is famous for providing a plethora of employee benefits, including health and dental insurance, a generous parental leave policy, commuter benefits, flexible work hours, mental health support, student loan assistance, and more. Google also offers unique benefits like 'Googler to Googler' mentorship plans, sabbaticals, employee stock options, and even a free laundry service.

Beyond Google, you will find that many companies provide different types of benefits and compensation to make sure their employees are well taken care of. Let’s explore some of the most popular ones:

Accommodation: Many employers help with their employees' housing needs, whether it be through a one-time contribution for a down payment on a home, a subsidized apartment, or a stipend to aid with rent or mortgage costs.

Bonuses: Most firms give bonuses as a way to thank staff members for their efforts and commitment to the business. This may be a one-time bonus for a particular achievement or a recurring bonus for reaching particular objectives. Many organizations also give out holiday or end of the year bonuses.

Child Care Assistance: For those with small children, employer-provided child care assistance can be a huge relief. This can take many forms, from flexible work schedules to subsidies and discounts for child care centers, to on-site nurseries.

Commuter Benefits: For many employees, getting to and from work can be a significant expense. To help ease this burden, many firms provide discounted or free parking or public transport.

Company Sponsored Events: Company events are a popular means of providing a sense of community among employees, as well as enhancing communication and collaboration. Employees can also get to know each other on a more personal level, which can lead to better relationships and better job performance while reducing stress and increasing job satisfaction.

Employee Stock Options: Some businesses provide employees with the ability to purchase shares of the company at cheaper rates. As a long-term investment, this can be a very attractive incentive for employees to grow their wealth.

Employee Recognition Programs: Recognizing employees' efforts can have a profound effect on morale at work. To show their appreciation, several companies have implemented recognition programs for employees that include awards, dinners, and presents.

Flexible Work Hours: As many people want to choose their own schedules, businesses are increasingly making it an option for employees to work outside of regular business hours, or take a day off when necessary. Oftentimes this is also combined with remote work.

Work From Home: Several employers now permit their staff to work from home in order to accommodate individuals who require more time away from the office. This is especially beneficial for parents, caretakers, and people who live a long distance away from the office.

Health Insurance: Enabling access to quality healthcare while keeping medical expenses at a minimum is considered to be one of the most attractive job benefits, as unforeseen healthcare bills can quickly become unmanageable for individuals.

Mental Health Support: In recent years, mental health is increasingly seen as just as important as physical health. As a result, many workplaces now provide mental health support services for employees.

Job-Sharing: Job sharing can give employees the freedom to balance their personal and professional lives, as it allows two part-time employees to share one full-time role - an opportunity that works especially well for caretakers and parents with many personal obligations at home.

Mentorship Programs: These programs allow employers to shape their employees' professional growth as they collaborate with their seniors. Mentorship relationships are intended to be mutually beneficial where the employees' development is supported, creating high-potential workers for the employer.

Paid leave: As no person can work 24/7, 365 days a year, employees may take time off work to recharge their batteries, spend time with their loved ones, engage in hobbies, or attend to any health or wellness needs - all the while not having to worry about their income.

Retirement Plans: Employees who want to ensure their "golden years" are as stress-free as possible will benefit greatly from an employer's private pension contributions. It is often insufficient to rely solely on a government pension or personal savings portfolio for one's retirement needs.

Student Financial Assistance: Students who receive financial support are more likely to succeed in their academic and professional pursuits, as they are less likely to be in debt, making this a particularly appealing job benefit in countries where higher education is extremely costly.

Wellness Programs: Wellness programs are designed to help employees maintain their physical and mental health and wellbeing. Incorporating wellness in the workplace helps workers stay healthy and lower their chance of developing chronic diseases.

Wrapping up, there are many ways to compensate employees for their hard work. As each individual’s priorities lie elsewhere, employers should make sure to offer a broad spectrum of company benefits to make sure everybody’s needs are met. Similarly, job-seekers should consider which benefits are the most suitable for them before they enter their next interview, so as to negotiate the best contract for both themselves and their future employer!