What's the best company perk that you get, and do you still appreciate it?

heartychat on 21/05/2015 - 15:18
Last edited 23/05/2015 - 11:41

At my first job, we had a free soft drink machine (one of our main clients was Coca Cola and I think they arranged and stocked it for us). This seemed like heaven to me, and so I remember indulging in three cans a day for at least two weeks. After that, I dropped down to only one can a day and didn't really think about it again.

Another time, I did a project at a cigarette manufacturing company, and each month you could take all the cigarettes you wanted to, as long as it was for your own personal usage. I didn't even smoke, but that didn't stop me from trying.

Education & Work

Comments

  • ilsan0 on 22/05/2015 - 17:48

    Free lunch and unlimited soft drinks every day :)
    Love it!

  • Blackpuddytat on 22/05/2015 - 18:38

    Formerly of Foxtel. Free Foxtel (then platinum package & IQ), occasional free pizza, free parking (if you could find a spot) and monthly booze ups.

    And a bunch of other little freebies thrown in as promotional/partner affiliations etc (including all the promotional coffee mugs you can smash)

  • littlecreatures87 on 22/05/2015 - 18:59
    +5

    Former teacher overseas.

    Provided apartment (under 10min walk from front door to classroom)
    Food card for 3meals a 7days a week at school canteen, pretty decent spread.
    They allowed me to move around my timetable so i had a 4day weekend every week.
    Return ticket home every 6months.

    Only catch it was in China, but I loved every minute of it.

  • berger on 22/05/2015 - 19:30
    +1

    I get free Foxtel iq HD. Also boss buys us all lunch once a week. I got to choose my new company car too.

    • blurrybird on 24/05/2015 - 15:45
      +1

      Lamborghini Aventador SV right..?

      • berger on 26/05/2015 - 19:54

        LP700-4 I think?

        Nah, had a budget of 40k, Just needed to be a family car

  • Brandenm on 22/05/2015 - 19:40
    +2

    I work at a Motorcycle dealership selling a few different brands of new Motorcycles + an extensive range of Used Bikes. This means that I'm constantly riding something fresh, new & different as I have about 30 demo bikes to pick from + approx 50 used bikes in stock. I don't think I'll ever get sick of this perk as stock is always rotating & new models are always on the pipeline :). Extra perks include discounts on everything bike related :P. I have $650 boots which cost me sub $300, ~$1800 leather 2 piece zip up suit which cost me $1,040 etc etc.

  • kzrocky on 22/05/2015 - 20:16
    +1

    British Airways. 70% off Concorde flight from London -> New York
    But back standard the other way.

  • airzone on 22/05/2015 - 21:36
    +7

    I get paid.

  • [Deactivated] on 22/05/2015 - 22:04
    +5

    official perks

    • Free coffees at the local cafe.
    • Free lunch.By anything and get refunded up to $15. Free dinner if still at work after 6.00 p.m. No limit on that one.
    • Free parking in the CBD.
    • threadmill desks. They weren't getting used much and are soon going to be replaced with gym memberships.
    • Executive clothing allowance ( bespoke suits and shirts)
    • Flexible working hours + work from home.
    • my own bathroom..etc

    and then the perks that I use and abuse:

    • bringing your kid to work day. Its supposed to be once a fortnight and only one child. I've brought both kids, my dog ,my cat and my plastic goldfish to work …on the same day. But it was an emergency situation.Both times.

    • going to work in tights and tees and then attending the morning team meeting in that attire. I conduct the morning team meeting. I then go for a run , take a shower and change into my bespoke suits..or Jeans and shirt.

    • My beloved lab coat. I don't need one. I shouldn't have one but I made it clear during my job interview that not getting one would be a deal breaker. So I get one :)

    • Wampus on 23/05/2015 - 09:04
      +8

      Re lab coat: Please tell me you're in something like sales or IT and you just wear it because you're bizarre… "He insists on wearing a lab coat… no, I don't know why…"

      • [Deactivated] on 23/05/2015 - 21:15
        +8

        Re lab coat

        When I was a little boy, I wanted to grow up and become a chemistry teacher.

        I was head-hunted for my current job ( a sciencesy/R&D job) while I was still technically at uni.At the interview the head honchos asked me where I saw myself in 3 years' time and I said "hopefully a chemistry teacher!" I kind of meant it as a joke. There was a moment hesitation and then one of the directors said " how about if we offer you double what a chemistry teacher in a private school earns and 80% funding for your phd?"

        To which I replied "but no lab coat? No lab coat is a deal breaker …" and the HRM laughed and said " you've got it!"

        She actually has " a fresh lab coat to be left on desk" everyday in my contract. That was 10 years ago. They haven't missed a day :)

        No all dreams come true. To chemistry teachers out there, should I be disappointed that my dream didn't come true?

        • hahaboy on 24/05/2015 - 10:52
          +1

          Nice work. Getting head hunted whilst still at uni is quite an achievement.

  • Cheap Steve on 22/05/2015 - 22:14
    +6

    Office overlooking one of Australias best surfing beaches.
    2 hour lunch break for surfing at one of Australias best surfing beaches.
    Garage with shower to store my surfboards, bikes and running gear.

    Ps - I love going to work.

    • rolypoly on 23/05/2015 - 14:41
      +3

      You lucky bastard

    • [Deactivated] on 24/05/2015 - 18:34
      +1

      Where dafuq do u work??

    • srr on 24/05/2015 - 21:01

      Tibra Austinmer?

  • rangerdanger on 22/05/2015 - 22:31
    +6

    Work in a gov department all we have is free air

    • DealzEddy123 on 26/05/2015 - 10:44

      that's not true. ive worked for a gov department and they have one of the nicest offices ive worked in with coffee, milk tea & bikkies.

      I've also worked for one of the largest IT companies in the world which didn't provide milk or sugar or instant coffee etc

      edit: oops I thought u meant all gov departments. maybe it's just the one you work in.

  • rodinthink on 22/05/2015 - 23:53
    +7

    Used to be KFC kitchen hand, Got the leftover.
    Usually I cook spicy more since it's my fav.
    Also got the left over of gravy as well
    Gave All of them to friends until they got PTSD when they see another chicken.

    Tried to give it to Charity for children so they can peel the skin off and only eat the meat.
    But the manager say to not give it carelessly because if it's poisonus the "people" can sue KFC eventhough if it's for free
    However the oil is horrible, our management (profanity) up the oil pretty badly (Never change it until there is an inspection or once in 1-2 months)
    SShhhhh……. Don't tell KFC HQ

    • dd721411 on 25/05/2015 - 14:23

      OMG, which store did you work then? Last week I bought 9 piece $10 in Cas. Sqr. store, the chicken was so burnt and crispy and tasted bitter on the crumb. I got a huge 1.5kg pack though!

    • adante on 25/05/2015 - 15:54
      -2

      Gave All of them to friends until they got PTSD when they see another chicken

      LONDON
      O
      N
      D
      O
      N

  • WT on 22/05/2015 - 23:58
    +5

    Im not so sure gov workers can complain about no coffee or tea, dad worked for the gov, a lot of the time he didnt leave home until 1030 and most days he was home by 3

  • oscarthesausagedog on 23/05/2015 - 00:37

    Not me personally, but a friend worked for Sealy, extending to friends/family. 64% off mattresses.
    Not bad on a 3.5k unit! ;)

  • lovedbymarylane on 23/05/2015 - 00:55
    +5

    Actors' perks are mostly food-related, and we really go for it (there's a lot of napkin-stashing) because half the time we don't know when our next job will be…

    Simulated patient work: Free morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea because you're not allowed to leave the building all day (exam conditions).
    Film: Free lunch is standard. They have to feed you because you're wearing costumes and makeup and it's too much hassle to let everyone get undressed and de-mic'ed so they can leave the location and go to a cafe.
    Ads: More food, depending on how long the shoot is. Once I did an AUDITION for an ad that required me to make a sandwich, and I got to keep that sandwich. That was a great day.
    Voiceover: Nope. If you're at a studio, you get in, do your thing and leave. If you're at home… well, is recording ads in your PJs a perk?
    Theatre: Some venues will give you a free 'performer's drink' at the bar after your show. Often companies will put on a closing night party with free drinks and food too. Once we got free drinks, food, AND a jazz pianist. It was amazing. Also, free accommodation when you tour and sweet, sweet per diems.

    BUT, the best actor perk is when you do a (comedy, fringe, cabaret) festival and you get an artist pass. Get into ANY show for free for the whole festival (as long as it's not sold out). After your show, or on your free nights, you can go to 2-3 shows that usually cost $40-50 each… it's the best. Cheap drinks and access to an exclusive after-hours 'artist bar' with comedy and dancing as well.

    • tdw on 23/05/2015 - 01:27
      +2

      haha awesome :)

      i would've thought the best actor perk was simply being an actor — a field so hard to break into and being able to do what you love.

      • JimB on 25/05/2015 - 11:10
        +3

        I would have thought it would have been the groupies.

  • cannedhams on 23/05/2015 - 07:45
    +1

    I used to work for an alcoholic who used to leave bottles of 12-year old single malt around, he didnt mind us drinking them unless we took the last gulp and then he'd be off his rocker.

  • [Deactivated] on 23/05/2015 - 08:22
    +2

    Perks, schmerks … My company pays me money

  • Wampus on 23/05/2015 - 09:05
    +2

    Used to work at a video store while I was at uni in the '90s. Free movies were great! After I quit and got a 'real job' it took me years to be able to rent a movie at full price without a scowl on my face

  • Reindeer831 on 23/05/2015 - 09:09
    +1

    I work for a bank and we get the following benefits:

    • 5.65% interest rate on visa credit card and personal loans
    • fee free home loan with a rebate of up to $1500 each year as a "home loan allowance"
    • 10% off home insurance, 15% off travel insurance and one excess free claim each year for car insurance
    • salary bonuses
    • rewards partner program that includes things like 6% discount at JB Hifi,5% for Woolworth's and Coles group stores and heaps of other places.
    • 1 paid day each year for volunteer for leave
    • Discounts for health insurance
    • free fruit boxes and couple of times a year

    Probably a few more that I've missed, but these are my favorite :-)

  • masadav on 23/05/2015 - 09:38
    +7

    Parking almost anywhere including no stopping, no parking, footpaths and kerbs, etc.

  • thisispete on 23/05/2015 - 11:57

    At the moment, latest is free top tier hospital and extras health cover for myself and my family.

    That can run up to $400pm for some families.

  • ajdlinux on 23/05/2015 - 15:56

    Last job I had was with an IT services firm which provided internet services for small business. Everyone in the company gets free completely unlimited ADSL2+.

  • xoom on 23/05/2015 - 17:11
    +1

    Work perks i have received or currently have:

    Free tea and coffee
    Free milk

    Pizzas paid for by work

    Work mobile

    Work laptop

    Foxtel at work

    Box of fruit

  • ozbargainer888 on 23/05/2015 - 20:11
    +2

    Currently company mobile and flexible schedule available (although not much of a help if working long hours anyway).

    In Uni I worked for a shoe store and I got a great 50% off discount. Most of my pay went to shoes so maybe it's best I don't have that job anymore.

  • TurkishDelight on 23/05/2015 - 20:53
    +2

    I work at aged care i get
    -free parking
    -leftover food. Chef always cooks for us so there's always some leftover.Also desert :)
    -juice or fruits or yoghurt to eat on break.
    -anytime s/w. DIY.
    -If chefs in good mood then omelet for breakfast :)
    -free unlimited coffee or tea. DIY.
    -2 movie tickets if employee of the month. =)

    and manager is good.

    • [Deactivated] on 23/05/2015 - 21:33
      +2

      Do you like your job?

      The mrs worked as a lifestyle coordinator for 3 months, 6 years ago. I convinced her to do it because her previous job, working with young adults with "behaviours of concerns", was too dangerous. She only gave in because she was pregnant at the time.

      Anyway, she would come home every night really depressed. She grows fond of people easily and found it hard to deal with the residents passing away… one after the other :(

      • TurkishDelight on 23/05/2015 - 23:05
        +14

        I see she is emotional. I had one workmate she resigned because she was too attached with residents.
        Well I work as Catering assistant and I actually like to work here also the residents are so friendly and kind. And i understand its hard when someone you laugh with and serve a meal the at night, passes away after the day or two but I guess I am a man and dont have too much emotions attached with them. There was one couple which used to like me and my hardwork, i remember when the man passed away the lady came to me in kitchen and started crying talking about things and how she feel that was really hard to handle her. With many i have relations for more then 3 years and it would be hard if you dont find them in the same chair they used to before.
        But i guess its part of life. All my lady colleagues cries. I even saw many time when i work late night they talking bodies in stretcher.

        Also I am in 20's and dont know what to say in certain situations.So i let my boss speak and i sit with face expressing I feel sorry for that. Also PCA keep distance between us and residents as our policy is to mind the kitchen business not to touch or go to residents room. So only time we spend is in dining area and casual high hello.
        Sorry for my bad english.

        • [Deactivated] on 23/05/2015 - 23:34
          +9

          Thank you for sharing TurkishDelight :) You sound like a top bloke.

        • dd721411 on 25/05/2015 - 14:12
          +1

          I'm crying now and I'm a dude! That's why I can't work in those places. I just can't hide my feelings.

        • TurkishDelight on 26/05/2015 - 02:09
          +6

          @721411: nothing wrong crying even if you are a man, If you feel it you take it all out. But if you wanna work you will have to be a little bit strong because there are old relations and some residents are special and favourites. There is one gentleman at my work he is really my favourite man who inspires me to be kind , to be gentle and to respect others. He calls me Sir even though I am just a waiter (not sure if he calls other staff like that but i bet he does). He sits with 5 other residents on a table and he always stack up the dirty plates by clearing the leftover and cutleries on the top plate ever single time, which makes easier for us. He is very nice man. I would surely cry if…

        • dd721411 on 26/05/2015 - 20:12
          +2

          @TurkishDelight: Oh man, you're strong (emotionally) and caring. Yes I do cry but silently when I'm alone. When I was a kid, I used to cry a lot because I was kinda weak, shy and emotional boy (I blame [but, at the same time, am proud of] my mom to pass that "gene" on me). Once growing up, I trained myself to not cry any more. Even when my grandparents passed away, I couldn't drop a tear but deep down inside I felt like I lost parts of my body.

          I always try to be a funny guy and make people laugh when I tell them salty jokes (I'm a certified perv). But we all know that those who always make people laugh are the ones that suffer the most inside (see Robin Williams as an example).

          The story you told reminds me of the scene in the "UP" movie. I can never get over the first 10 minutes of it. And the music is just brilliant!

        • [Deactivated] on 26/05/2015 - 22:11
          +1

          @721411: Your story reminds me of the pagliachi joke from the movie Watchmen

  • AlanHB on 23/05/2015 - 21:07

    At my last job we had a bootcamp (like exercise) twice a week. It cost $10/week and was at lunchtime, but the biggest perk was that it didn't come out of your working hours.

    Oh and the biggest one-off perk I ever got was a paid work trip, to go skydiving.

  • undercut on 23/05/2015 - 21:39
    +21

    Stay at home mum here. Sometimes my husband will make me a cup of tea if I ask him 5 times.
    Children also provide a convenient alibi to avoid social events which require formal attire.

    • WT on 25/05/2015 - 16:27

      dam, gonna have kids now, I usually give in at the 3rd time, but I make a big deal about it how I remember how many sugars (I don't measure) and how its in her fav cup and that I removed her stupid tea bag but will give her another later

  • johndowy on 23/05/2015 - 21:45
    +3

    A nice boss. Need nothing else.

  • Google Chrome on 23/05/2015 - 22:19
    +2

    Everyones got such nice perks, working at a chemical engineering company, I get the following (free)
    - Access to around 10 vending machines including chips, water,juices etc
    - On site cafe
    - Office equipment allowance of $2400/yr (I spend most of my time in the lab, but I'll take it!)
    - 2 domestic/1 international flight per year (non business)
    - Myki yearly pass

    Meanwhile my dad works at nestle and brings home everything he can get his hands on, hence we have a dedicated freezer for icecream.

  • AMLagonda on 23/05/2015 - 23:34
    +3

    I give my employees all the food they want, makes them really happy, teenagers are easily pleased with food :)

  • OzJD on 24/05/2015 - 09:24
    +2

    Bus Driver…

    Employee Pass:

    • Unlimited Free Sydney Buses (Government)
    • Unlimited Free Sydney Trains (incl. Airport Stations)
    • Unlimited Free NSW Trains (excl. Interstate Services)
    • Unlimited Free Sydney Ferries
    Soon will also include:
    • Unlimited Free Sydney Light Rail
    • Unlimited Free Private Buses

    When taking Annual Leave:

    • Temporary pass (as above) for spouse
    • Temporary pass (as above) for children
    • 2 free point to point rail passes (incl. interstate services, Indian Pacific etc.)
    • Can swap economy ticket for best tickets on premium services and pay only 30% (70% off)

    Free on-site parking

    Salary packaging (I haven't used this yet)

    50 minute unpaid lunch breaks, or if late, a lunch break under 40 minutes is paid (but still a minimum of 30 minutes)

    Lots of penalty rates (pretty much every day!)

    Free generous uniform when you join, then uniform allowances every so often (you decide if you need to buy more)

    Free water, boiling or cold (tap) lol

    We have an on-site gym, pool tables, etc. but it's not really a perk as you're supposed to pay a couple of dollars per month for institute membership

    There are a bunch of other things that I can't think of….

  • hahaboy on 24/05/2015 - 10:55

    Free coffee, fruits, drinks, chewing gum and tim tams and other snacks.
    Subsidized lunch, which equates to about 50% off prices at cafes

  • JayM on 24/05/2015 - 11:05

    One of my ex-housemates was the store manager of a local KFC. He brought home a truckload of un-cooked chicken that had a day or so expiry left, hot n spicy etc. We essentially filled our deep-freeze with the stuff and i would be using the sandwich press to cook a KFC chicken product almost every other day. Was good and cheap too. Then for some reason he decided to lend the deep-freeze to someone and it all defrosted and went to waste…….

    When I worked in a hotel, we'd get the leftovers of prawns and seafood dishes from big meetings. Working the overnight shift they gave us free reign over anything and everything that we could get our hands on in the kitchen freezer. Also included coffee, juice and infinite softdrinks. I'd also get the ability to trial tours so we could recommend them to guests.

  • pogichinoy on 24/05/2015 - 12:35

    Free flight plus discounted flights with Singapore airlines. Used to receive Qantas free flights many years ago but they were unconfirmed. Biggest pain in the ass.

    Due to a family member working in management, I get one free flight per year and get to fly First class. Every successive flight after that is 10% gross cost.

    Difference is that all Singapore airlines staff flights are confirmed. None of this standby garbage that Qantas offers plus I get access to the Forst class lounges.

    • Hirolol on 25/05/2015 - 22:21

      what do you mean by confirmed/unconfirmed flights?

      • pogichinoy on 12/06/2015 - 00:21
        +1

        Qantas puts you on standby. Which means you don't know for sure if you're flying out that day and you could be waiting with other staff travelers, where the higher position the staff member is, gives them a higher probability of flying out.

        e.g. 4 people in your group are flying under your staff travel, only 2 seats left in the flight to Auckland. Other 2 people in your group have to wait till the next flight out.

        4 people in your group are flying under your staff travel, you're only a clerk, but also a manager is flying out on the same flight with their group of 4 people. The manager's group takes precedence over yours.

        Singapore airlines confirms your flight. i.e. you fly out on the day and time you want to fly out.

  • congo on 24/05/2015 - 17:35

    In my old job, perks includes:
    - Health Care for the family
    - Annual Company Christmas Holiday for the family
    - Stock Options
    - Reimbursement for home office

  • wiz187 on 24/05/2015 - 20:31

    Restaurant Manager - More coffee than I can drink, couple beers/gls wine @ the end of a shift. We are fed while @ work & can take food home @ the end of a shift. Been on a trip through SA ( live in Qld ) wine region a few years ago - 4 days of breakfast/lunch/dinner with some great winemakers. If I want a new wine for the list, just ask suppliers in for a taste.

  • Bonsaichop on 24/05/2015 - 21:05
    +8

    Have our own business, online specialty retailer. Only one employee, our dog, does an OK job at notifying us on deliveries but she does tend to sleep on the job.

    Perks include my daily commute from the bed to my desk. Work my own hours, if I don't feel like working I don't. The business can run on its own for a few days without intervention so if we want to get away we can.

    Get to play with some really cool toys, vintage computers, vintage video game consoles, lego, lasers, high end hifi (all for 'testing' of course ;) ), basically anything we want to sell I can get and play with. Business funded espresso machine. Can to choose our business trips when and where we go. Meet lots of interesting customers from really different business backgrounds, have made some great connections.

    Downside is that you get out what you put in, but if you enjoy what you do it's not really all that much work. Also have a couple of problem customers every now and then, always because of missing/damaged parcels from Australia Post's lackluster service.

    • HoneyComb on 25/05/2015 - 05:21
      +1

      lol, I Also have my own online shop business and can relate with the dog and daily commute to my bed and desk. ;)
      Dog always goes crazy at the postie and the postie does regular deliveries that he knows who iam and that my dog hates him. lol

  • yoonibear on 25/05/2015 - 02:08

    Energy retailer. I get about 60% off my electricity and gas bill

  • thunderlips on 25/05/2015 - 02:19

    I get free parking at the Arts Centre in Melbourne, which is worth about $3300 per year.
    I know also that many Metro train drivers get this as well, since they often start before the first train or finish after the last.

  • HoneyComb on 25/05/2015 - 05:14

    I had a similar experience as Heartychat. My first Job, When i was 18 Had coca cola stocked Fridge/vending Machine which stocked the fan favorite and hard to find Glass Bottles. Free for workers. They also provided free daily lunch which usually consists of chicken and potato salad but I was more happy about having access to free Cola in Glass bottles. lol

  • James030609 on 25/05/2015 - 09:21
    • work from home most of the time and be able to send/pickup kids to//from school
    • mobile phone plan and mobile broadband
    • home phone and Internet
    • top hospital and top extras cover
    • nothing much to do when at home as my work is on the field and only gets a call out once every quarter on average

    All these on top of a 100k + salary

    Guess what, just made redundant after 8 years….Oh well, those were the happy days!

  • Kempe on 25/05/2015 - 09:26
    -3

    As more women joined the organisation over the last 20 years we got free tissues

    • ChickenTalon on 25/05/2015 - 10:23
      +3

      and no doubt a substantial increase in the average IQ

  • ChickenTalon on 25/05/2015 - 10:26
    +5

    Photo Lab:

    • Free photo developing and free film. Pay aprox 20% of the rate for offsite services, enlargements posters etc.

    Call centre:

    • Instant coffee (international roast) and milk
    • time off for study + contribution to uni fees

    Big Telco

    • Heavily discounted mobile plan (no, not a work one. A work phone is not a perk!)
    • Heavily discounted home phone
    • Heavily discounted internet plan
    • Discounts for family
    • Occasional loot: branded clothing, bags etc
    • Ongoing discounts even though I haven't worked there for 10 years
    • Paid for private training courses + some of my degree

    Marketing/media buying:

    • "Shoot Loot" All the left over stuff after making an ad, clothing, furniture. Anything we couldn't rent and had to purchase.
    • Big end of year parties
    • Helicopter rides with the traffic choppers
    • Tix to heaps of shows & moonlight cinema. usually with comp food and drinks
    • Tix to opening nights for movies, always with comp food and drinks
    • Private boxes at the races for melb cup
    • plenty of other random events and perks

    Bank

    • slightly discounted homeloans (you could probably get close as a regular customer negotiating hard)
    • Free top credit card
    • heavily discounted insurance products
    • Free transaction accounts + free extras like bank cheques
    • Similar perks for family
    • slight discount on a bunch of retailers
    • personal laptop purchased salary sac
    • free financial advice (independent, not the stupid bank advice which just sells you stuff)
    • Staff superannuation plans which are fee free
    • discounted qantas club (corporate rate)
    • very cheap drycleaning
  • 2ndeffort on 25/05/2015 - 15:22
    +7

    I spent 15 years in the Army, perks there might have changed now but used to be:

    • Free medical & Dental…yes free, they pay for the lot. I believe it has now extended to your partner and kids for some small procedures as well
    • Subsidized housing, either you pay a fee to stay on base and it normally includes all of your meals as well or you get a 'Married Quarter' rental house or 'Rental Allowance' where they pay up to 40% of your rent.
    • If you want to buy your own house there used to be a number of schemes you could apply for where they would pay your stamp duty etc, I cant remember the details
    • Education, you have to apply and it isn't guaranteed but I finished 3 degrees during my career including a masters degree at UNSW. I was supported for the 1st 2 as I did them part time and they paid part of the costs, the Masters I was fully sponsored and they paid the whole lot including my wage whilst I did the degree, all of my HECS, Fees and even gave me a book allowance and an overseas study trip at the end.
    • Free work clothes (as long as you like camouflage or khaki).
    • Great Mates
    • Got to do some seriously cool stuff that no other job can offer
    • Have their own Health Insurance provider that you can keep using after you leave. Better and cheaper than any of the commercial ones, lookup 'Defence Health' on google.
    • After a qualifying period you can get subsidised home loans

    Of course the tradeoff is that you might have to go and fight a war

  • kay07 on 25/05/2015 - 18:42
    +1

    I worked for one of prestigious restaurant in Melbourne and allowed to have few beers every night as knock off drink.
    Also provides both lunch and dinner as part of the shift.

  • skipy89 on 25/05/2015 - 19:14
    +2

    biscuits. Arnotts biscuits. so good

  • silverrat23 on 25/05/2015 - 22:14

    Water. And Bread. Sometimes.

    • scrimshaw on 26/05/2015 - 11:19
      +1

      No soup for you.

      • silverrat23 on 26/05/2015 - 14:09

        That is actually true!

  • matthewperk on 26/05/2015 - 08:49

    I work for a 4wd accessory company. Recently as part of a promotion they have provided me with a company 4x4 with fuel card to drive around - including offroad. Pretty good perk in my books. Made better by the fact they aren't particularly close to where I live - so cut down on my fuel bills and tolls massively!

  • risque122 on 26/05/2015 - 10:46

    So your best perks were lung cancer and diabetes OP?

  • Taita on 26/05/2015 - 11:08

    Software QA in a software development house:
    Flexible hours (although long) and a casual working environment. Some people even took naps!
    Being truely encouraged to be creative and proactive.(Although I only appreciated this later when I went to work at a bank!)
    People who actually care about the quality of code (sadly I think this only happens in QA dept)
    The best thing was being able to request any IT related books and courses you thought may be useful. (I guess this is a perk only if you are actually interested in your field:)

    IT in banking:
    Discounted financial products
    Corporate gifts and parties.
    Discounted tickets and vouchers.
    Pre tax benefits like yearly travel tickets, laptops, etc.
    Paid expensive IT courses and professional association memberships.
    Cab fare to/from city when we often got to work on holidays and weekends.

    Family member worked in IT at a telco:
    Laptop and phone with unlimited plan
    Corporate gifts and parties
    Flexible hours

    Oh, and all of the above included free tea/coffee/biscuits/etc.

  • Taita on 26/05/2015 - 11:12
    +1

    Reading thru this thread it seems most people will be happy if the perks include :
    Free food/tea/coffee/soft drinks
    Discount vouchers
    A decent wage for decent work

    That's not asking for too much, is it?

    • phoenixx on 26/05/2015 - 11:34
      +2

      So many stingey bosses around through. Very envious of those that have those nice little perks.

    • tdw on 26/05/2015 - 16:19
      +1

      all i really want is:

      competent manager & work with mature people
      microwave
      water cooler/filter
      liveable wage/salary
      free parking or paid parking nearby

  • blobberhead on 26/05/2015 - 11:25

    ASX 200 software company: we have vending machines with all kinds of soft drink + juice + Mother. Fruit basket on Monday and Wednesday. Beer and wine in fridge at all times. and best of all.. no dress codes! unless if you are client facing, you gotta wear a suit and be presentable then.
    I think this is not an official perk but we have a TV hooked up with a HDD with all sorts of movies and tv series in our lunch room. Best hot cross buns in the city every easter. Sometimes we get free pizza too. Also I know someone brought in his PS3 and hooked it up into one of the meeting rooms, not sure if they still have it though
    The company has a health insurance plan you can get, if you work here for more than 2 years you can get significant discounts on the premium. The plan is great too i.e it pays 80% of your remedial massage cost.. I had a massage last week for $20, I thought it was pretty awesome.
    The company also gives you some $$ to join sporting events (marathon, global corporate challenge)

  • nekro on 26/05/2015 - 19:22

    Free toilet paper.. thats about it

  • Japius on 27/05/2015 - 10:12

    Many years ago I worked for a paceway/greyhound place that also had a stand alone function centre on the property, eventually I ran the function centre (bar only, the catering was a contract company). And my bonuses each month was to take what I wanted from the stock room (within reason). Started that I'd grab a bottle of rum or whatever but by the end I was taking the 25L plastic drums of jim beam etc that were meant to be used to refill the glass bottles….All my friends were very impressed by my garage at home that was filled with booze lol

  • vroomkroom on 27/05/2015 - 16:00

    Pizza Delivery Driver ( Uni days )
    - One large pizza
    - One Coffee
    Per Shift normally 3-4 hrs starting at 5:30PM and finishing at 9 PM. Usually made around 100$ in that time + Dinner + Coffee. At that time I was at uni during the day and Pizza shop at night 3or 4 days a week and got along with the staff. Best part time job ever !!

    Then completed by studies and finally entered the corporate world and the perks was not attractive anymore.

    Get the usual perks
    - Coffee Machine
    - Cookies
    - Morning Tea with Gold coin donation every fortnight

    But having noticed that if there are contractors as part of the workforce the perks are not great. When I used to be contractor perks never really mattered so much but now after reading other comments have to start digging for the perks in my current job.

  • captobvious on 27/05/2015 - 16:10

    A car, a phone and a laptop.

    All annoying, laptop is locked down and really just an excuse to work during my home time, this is the same deal with the mobile linked to work emails which I get whilst even on holidays. The Car is nice but during the day its gets used as a pool car and sometimes meetings go longer than they should and I end up staying back later than I want to.

    Just first world problems. I dont actually mind my job otherwise

  • noodle23 on 30/05/2015 - 21:39
    +1

    One of my previous jobs:

    FREE meals EVERYDAY! On-site buffet breakfast (proper big breakfast), lunch (steaks, seafood, pasta, Japanese, Chinese, etc) and dinner (only if you work late), different menu everyday.

    Unlimited snack, drink (not just tea and coffee, varies brands of juice, soda; freshly squeezed juice, smoothies…) and dessert (cupcakes, Ben & Jerry ice cream, chocolates, etc), did i mention UNLIMITED?

    Free mobile phone every year, sometimes free laptops too.

    Not sure if I miss it as I gained almost 10kgs in 6 months! oops…but did save me a lot of money!

  • froggym on 31/05/2015 - 16:12

    When I was working at a newsagency we would rip the covers off the old magazines to send back (I honestly don't know why) and then get to keep whatever old magazines we wanted because the rest just went in the recycling. We got all the free stuff that came with them too. One of the people I worked with would take home copies of "That's Life" and "Woman's Day" to do the puzzles for prizes because the entry dates ended a week after the magazine went off the shelves. Those were good times.

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