10 Office Perks That Are Way Better Than a Corner Office

Previous generations used to dream about getting a nice, big corner office that signified status and success in the workplace. But in recent years, the old ideal has given way to more varied workplace perks.

Younger workers now want potential employers to offer them modern benefits that will lower their financial stress while prioritizing flexibility, stability, and personal growth opportunities at work.

Here are 10 office perks that professionals in today's job market value even more than the corner office.

100% employer-funded health care

With the rising health care costs in the United States, many employees look for comprehensive health coverage when considering taking a position.

Having your employer cover your health insurance helps cut down rising costs. In fact, a survey from the United States Chamber of Commerce in 2022 found that 83% of participants said that an employer-sponsored health care plan was extremely important to them.

Work-from-home flexibility

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the ability to work remotely has shifted from a perk to an expectation.

According to a McKinsey report, 87% of workers who were offered remote work take advantage of it. Flexibility in work location supports work-life balance and can lead to increased productivity, and most young workers who lived through the remote work of the pandemic now expect this to be an option.

Unlimited PTO

The traditional practice of accruing paid time off has fallen by the wayside in recent years in favor of unlimited vacation. Workers are more interested in having flexibility with their time off instead of having to accrue and use their PTO before it expires.

According to a recent MetLife survey, 72% of employees are interested in unlimited PTO, and 50% of employees value it over a higher salary.

401(k) match

Retirement benefits, particularly a company match of 401(k) contributions, remain a big factor in job selection for younger workers. A recent National Bureau of Economic Research study showed that potential employees value retirement contribution dollars to wage dollars at almost a two-to-one ratio.

Four-day work week

With improved technology resulting in more worker productivity, many are questioning the traditional 5-day work week and opting for a 4-day one. Some preliminary studies have shown that some companies have succeeded with this work shift.

Workers also highly favor the setup, even if it means working longer hours during the week. According to a recent survey, over half of employees say they'd prefer to work 40 hours over four days rather than spread across five.

Access to technology

A company phone or laptop of your choosing is becoming a highly sought-after perk for employees. Picking the right technology you're comfortable using boosts productivity, which many companies have caught on to. In one study from Jamf, 68% of survey respondents said getting to choose their technology used for work made them more productive.

Mental health support

Mental health support has become a critical component of employee well-being in today's workplace. Workers increasingly want company-sponsored plans to cover mental health visits and therapy.

According to a survey by the American Psychological Association, 81% of respondents reported that they will be looking for employers who support mental health in the future. This growing interest reflects the increased trend in workers emphasizing their emotional and psychological health instead of sacrificing their well-being for the company.

Professional development opportunities

In the ultra-competitive job market, many employees gravitate towards companies with professional development programs. This creates opportunities for workers to gain new skills and modalities, making them better overall employees.

In a world where switching jobs is common, it's also a way to incentivize workers to stay with a company. According to an iHire survey, 27.7% of workers said the perk would keep them at their current job.

Pet-friendly workplaces

Bringing your pet to work used to be a novelty, but that's no longer so. In the wake of the pandemic, many workers expressed nervousness about leaving their furry friends at home. A CertaPet study showed that 69% of employees prefer to work from home permanently because of their dog. Studies have also shown the immense benefits of human and animal interaction, so there's a demand for pet inclusivity at work.

A survey from Banfield Pet Hospital conducted after the pandemic showed that 71% of Gen Zers and 48% of millennials had already asked their employers to allow them to bring their pets to the office or were going to ask them to do so.

On-site childcare

Considering the skyrocketing costs of at-home childcare, having it available at work is a big perk many young professionals desire. Many Fortune 500 leaders believe that providing childcare is key to retaining employees, which is backed up by data.

According to a recent Care.com study, 18% of employees surveyed would consider leaving their job if another company offered child care benefits.

Bottom line

The corner office used to symbolize success, power, and prestige. But for today's workforce, those physical status symbols have taken a back seat to perks that promote flexibility, security, and personal well-being. These perks help boost your bank account since you won't have to pay out of pocket for things like pet care, childcare, and health insurance.

Employers are listening to this shift in tenor, as many now believe offering more personalized perks will be essential for attracting and retaining top talent. As workplace values change, it's clear that the new "corner office" is wherever employees feel supported, empowered, and happy.