A package to perk up your life

Today's employers realise that perks are more attractive to workers than any salary package. Wendy Smith looks at the extras that make us choose one company over another

LEAVING aside the monster salary, what's your idea of a fantastic perk that will really want to make you want to change jobs - or stay put? Is it the sleek roadster or the sporty soft-top that will make you sign away the next three years of your life?

Or are you a traditionalist who hedges your bets with some solid health cover instead?

Whatever turns you on, there is no doubt that perks are a growing issue in the workplace. Gone are the days when the employee could expect the bare minimum of holidays and the odd luncheon voucher and a tacky Christmas hamper. Perks maketh the job. And in an increasingly tight labour market, employers are coming up with ever more unusual ways of keeping you in the job while maintaining your health and happiness.

According to a recent research survey carried out by the Institute of Personnel and Development (IPD), the shift is towards cutting down on the stress of work. Many employers now offer health screening, helplines for stressed-out employees and bereavement counselling, reflecting a growing focus on work-life balance. Then there are newer perks creeping in, such as dry cleaning, food shopping services, personal car insurance and even staff pet insurance.

And if you spend so much time at work that you find yourself lonely in love, then there is another perk to be had from your employer - a discount with a dating agency. Of course it is all very discreet. "We have associations with three of the larger computer companies, which offer discounts off membership, to our agency," says Karen Mooney, from dating agency Sarah Eden. "It is not actually offered within the package, rather it is suggested to staff as an option."

If you are a member of the specialist finance sector union UNIFI and single, then you can join Club Sirius at a special corporate rate and take advantage of the social and travel services the agency offers to help make new friends and potentially meet a partner.

But if it is money you are after in a big way, look out for a hi- tech company preferably a dotcom start-up - for the big returns. "Lots of companies are offering bonuses starting at 10 per cent of their salary," says David Plummer, managing director of IT recruitment consultancy Triage Consulting. "When I interview people, they often tell me that what they want to do is get rid of the mortgage. A bonus is great for that."

The buzz around the internet industry is the promise of share options. Joe Frost is director of marketing for internet software company Inktomi. He used to work for one of the world's largest companies, Cisco Systems. "The huge attraction of joining Inktomi was the stock options it was offering. I prefer that to a bonus. This is my fourth job

and it has to be the best perk yet. It benefits both me and my boss as the more work I put in, the better the stock value. It is exciting knowing that I may have had a direct input in my company's performance."

Frost has already realised some of the value of his stocks, which he says have quadrupled in the 18 months since being with the company. He bought a house in Surrey with the proceeds. "Of course it was a gamble going to a smaller outfit and it is really hard work, but I think it has been worth it."

But oodles of money is not the whole story about perks. What if you are in

the type of job in which pay is capped?

You can wish but not necessarily get your boss to give you a big bonus or shares. Don't give up hope, says Sarah el-Doori, of employment agency Office Angels. "The labour market is tightening up at all levels and if employers want to keep their staff, they will have to be able to offer the perks.

Employees should be looking out for subsidised staff restaurants, gym membership and training courses. Their companies should want to invest in them. It's me plc out there today."

It appears that what the 21st century employee wants is not just the standard package of tried and tested perks health pension and holidays - but a pick-and-mix approach to benefits.

"Many employees want their perks to be family-friendly, not just about insurance but flexible working hours and perhaps a computer at home," says Dr Di Winstanley, of Imperial College Management School. "These rewards should be far more individual."

But beware, says Winstanley. "You really need to check just what the perks are saying about an organisation and look out for the hidden agenda. Are those benefits such as training or a decent working environment saying that the company values you as a person, or is there a hidden bite-back? If the perks are just about takeway meals at the office and stress counselling, it could mean that the hours are going to be very long.

"In that case, are you going to be so clapped out that you will need them all just to keep going?"

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