How do your perks stack up?
New Zealand firms are setting the bar high whenit comes to employee benefits by offering more than free flu jabs and fresh fruit, writes JOHN ANTHONY.
Big employers are offering attractive work benefits to keep staff happy, healthy and secure in retirement. Birthday holidays, free health checks, extended holidays and new car discounts are just some of the perks companies are offering their staff.
A report by recruitment specialists Hudson shows that work-life balance is the No 1 priority of job seekers in 2015. Asked what they looked for in a new job, 69 per cent of the 763 New Zealand professionals surveyed ranked work-life balance, including flexible arrangements, as their top priority.
Many companies are offering staff flexibility in working hours and location, attractive parental leave options, charity work leave and unpaid leave for extended holidays. Nearly half of those surveyed want better benefits from a job while 68 per cent listed a higher salary as a top priority.
The report says companies risk losing out if they are not able to clearly articulate the benefits they offer to potential employees.
Hudson Asia Pacific chief executive Mark Steyn says worklife balance is now key to all New Zealand professionals but everyone is different. ‘‘Hiring managers need to understand candidates and craft benefit packages tailored to their wants.’’
Here’s a look at a selection of staff benefits some New Zealand companies offer.
SKYCITY
Staff employed by the casino company are offered $4 per day parking in the central city, close to SkyCity. For a mere $2.50 they also have access to a cooked breakfast, lunch or dinner available around the clock at a staff restaurant.
SkyCity also offers a free daily laundry service for employees who are required to wear a uniform and staff can also use the service to dry-clean personal clothing at a fraction of retail prices.
AMP
AMP general manager of human resources Shaun Philp says saving for retirement is a challenge for many Kiwis.
AMP contributes 12 per cent of a fulltime employee’s salary towards superannuation on top of their base salary, as well as contributing 3 per cent to Kiwi Saver.
Staff are also offered free life cover and income protection, as well as free Southern Cross health insurance and subsidised car and house and content insurance.
Free mole mapping, personal health checks, nutrition seminars and work-life balance seminars are also part of the deal, Philip says. On top of the government parental leave permanent staff are entitled to 14 weeks full pay parental leave, and there is no limit on unpaid parental leave.
FONTERRA
New Zealand’s largest exporter has fallen on tough times with dairy prices falling and up to 523 staff being made redundant. But at least staff that remain (in some locations at least) can enjoy icecream Fridays.
Fonterra also offers employees specials from The Kapiti Store or the chance to win 25-kilogram blocks of cheese.
PERPETUAL GUARDIAN
The 250 staff at wills and trusts company Perpetual Guardian can have their own will drawn up for free.
Managing director and philanthropist Andrew Barnes says every staff member is encouraged to have a will for the life and health cover it also provides free.
In August the company will allow workers to automatically donate part of their salary into the Perpetual Guardian foundation. Barnes will match every dollar staff put into the foundation and funds are then distributed to charities chosen by employees. Staff are also given time off to pursue charitable work.
Employees have access to banking discounts at a range of banks as well as a 20 per cent discount on all new cars from an Auckland Hyundai dealership.
‘‘It doesn’t cost us anything to provide those things . . . so why wouldn’t you do it,’’ Barnes says.
XERO
Accounting software company Xero offers staff an incentive plan that pays in shares in the company. Free fruit and soft drinks are supplied, casual clothes are allowed, standing desks are provided and there are pool and ping pong tables.
WESTPAC
Like most banks Westpac offers staff discounts on home loans, personal loans and credit cards.
Staff can also take time to reflect, study or take an overseas trip under its ‘‘timeout’’ policy which allows unpaid leave for up to 12 weeks while a ‘‘career break’’ provides unpaid leave for up to 12 months.
VODAFONE
Employee benefits at the global telco include a free smartphone and plan and free Southern Cross health insurance which extends to immediate family. As a birthday gift, Vodafone offers staff a day off work which can be taken on their birthday, or any day that month.
JETSTAR
The low-cost carrier offers discounted travel benefits for Jetstar workers and nominated companions. Discounts can be claimed on domestic and international airfares, hotels, car hire and travel insurance and can be used with Jetstar, Qantas and other partner airlines.