When signing a contract at a big tech group, staffers have grown to expect free or heavily-subsidised food, with multiple cuisines in the canteen.
Trendy office space is another must, with plenty of breakout spaces for catching up with colleagues and blowing off some steam. Offices are often kitted with gyms and games rooms to keep body and mind healthy.
CUTTING FOOD BUDGETS, IN-HOUSE LAUNDRY AND MASSAGES
But with the balance of power tilting away from employees in the current market and with investors putting pressure on executives to boost profitability, companies are cutting back.
In the past year, Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, has reduced its health and wellness benefits, cutting its in-house laundry service, ended taxi credits and slimmed food budgets. Alphabet’s job cuts are reported to have included some 27 in-house massage therapists and Salesforce is said to be ending “well-being days” – a day off once a month to focus on health issues.
Meanwhile, Elon Musk has slashed perks along with staff numbers at Twitter following his US$44 billion takeover in favour of what he calls a hardcore work culture. The company is reported to be transitioning to a “partially paid” food policy and has reduced spending on subsidised travel and mobile phones.
And more consequentially for some workers, reports have indicated fertility support benefits are being reduced.
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