When it comes to attracting top talent, it’s not just about salary. Prospective employees want to know that their company values them as people both inside and outside of the office.
NYC tech startups are taking this sentiment to heart and offering perks and benefits that they hope set the standard for other markets. We talked to employees at five local companies and rounded up some of the most valuable perks of the job.
Healthcare analytics company Crossix believes happiness leads to productivity. And while there are a number of different perks and benefits that can spark joy, Lead Marketing Data Analyst Elaine MacDonald says it’s the ones focused on bringing employees together that make Crossix the place to be.
What’s your favorite perk your company offers?
My favorite perks are all related to Crossix’s company bonding initiatives. Our 26th floor is fun year-round, with a fully-stocked wine fridge and keg, beautiful views of the city and a rooftop to enjoy during good weather. Another stand-out to me is the annual holiday party. This year, we kicked it off with a blue and orange (our company colors!) champagne toast, ate lunch at Butter Midtown, and wrapped it up with a happy hour at Johnny Utah’s. Our CEO even rode the mechanical bull there!
My favorite perks are all related to Crossix’s company bonding initiatives.”
Why is that perk important to you? And what effect does it have on your work?
I’ve heard that a happy employee is a productive employee, and that’s the truth at Crossix. Making the workplace a fun and inviting place to be has created a sincere Crossix family and a company culture of which I am proud to be a part. I am a better, more efficient and more productive worker because I look forward to spending my day doing things I am passionate about with people who genuinely support me and the work I am doing.
NS1 is on a mission to change the way the internet works — and to do so, it needs its employees to perform at their best every day. Office and Employee Experience Manager Chelsea Gold walked us through all of the wellness perks that are in place to keep the team supported mentally and physically.
What's your favorite perk your company offers?
Our wellness benefits are amazing. We get subsidized gym memberships to some of NYC's top gyms as well as a subsidized ClassPass membership. I have been using ClassPass for the last two years and absolutely love it, so I was super excited that NS1 partnered with them and offered it at a discounted rate. I feel like a lot of people don’t like to commit to a gym, so this is the perfect way to promote employee wellness while allowing them to curate their own fitness routine. We are also offered mental health benefits through Health Advocate and get three in-person counseling sessions free of cost and unlimited phone mental health counseling.
We get subsidized gym memberships to some of NYC's top gyms.”
Why is that perk important to you? And what effect does it have on your work?
This perk is important because mental health and wellness are rarely addressed in the workplace. It is a very important part of my life, and it makes me very happy that the place I work not only supports wellness financially, but encourages us to partake in activities and perks that help us relax and unwind. This creates happier employees and a happier workplace environment. When people are stressed out, it can rub off on others, so having a focus on mental health and wellness makes everyone in the office have a great work life balance. The same can be said for the fitness benefits. Other employees inspire me with their workout and fitness routines, and it creates and promotes healthy habits.
Shapeways, a 3D printing company, is heavily invested in their employees. People Operations Advisor Camille Hayden explained how the company supports its employees’ long-term success by contributing to their 401 (k) and offering learning and development opportunities.
What’s your favorite perk your company offers?
Shapeways’ benefits and perks showcase that they truly care about their employees. We have a great recognition program that lets exceptional employees get nominated by their peers with $2,000 towards learning and development. We also receive no-cost health insurance, free lunch and — my favorite — a 401 (k) safe harbor match.
We have a great recognition program that lets exceptional employees get nominated by their peers.”
Why is that perk important to you? And what effect does it have on your work?
I've worked at a number of startups prior to Shapeways, and while all have had a 401(k) program, none provided an employer contribution. I like to be prepared, so it's great to know that I can save even more and plan for my future. This was also a signal to me that Shapeways invests in employees, so it's encouraged me to come in every day and work to my fullest potential.
Gaming startup Jackpocket wants to make sure employees are set up for success in their personal lives, whether they’re single or considering starting a family. Managing Director Leighton Webb talked about the company’s exceptional parental leave policy that they hope sets a standard in employee benefits.
What’s your favorite perk your company offers?
Parental leave is my favorite perk. We’re constantly evaluating ways to offer our employees not just great benefits, but a vision for what their future could look like, as more companies in New York strive to differentiate themselves in order to attract talent. I’m also personally invested as I just had a baby girl last month!
...we’re hearing applicants ask more and more about parental leave.”
Why is that perk important to you? And what effect does it have on your work?
We wanted to make the updated New York Paid Family Leave Law an even more attractive benefit, as we’re hearing applicants ask more and more about parental leave. Our three fathers-to-be were an incentive, too! Jackpocket decided to supplement the NY State Paid Family Leave law by providing 8 fully-paid weeks for maternity leave and 4 fully-paid weeks for paternity leave. Further, we offer mothers an additional 4 weeks of work-from-home time, and fathers 2 weeks, which makes the transition back to work as smooth as possible.
Wellness is a top priority across the board, and many companies, including marketing tech startup AB Tasty, are bringing it into the workplace. VP of Marketing Gregory Batchelor highlighted the company’s subsidized ClassPass membership as his favorite perk.
What’s your favorite perk your company offers?
By far my favorite company perk is our wellness program. AB Tasty has teamed up with ClassPass to extend employees a large discount on the monthly price. This program also allows the team to do classes together, which serves as a great team-building experience, and it encourages us to prioritize our health and wellness along with our work.
I believe that a healthy body and mind has a strong impact on your work.”
Why is that perk important to you? And what effect does it have on your work?
It's always been very important to me that I work for a company that values me as an individual both inside and outside of the office. When a company provides a perk like this, it shows me that they care about the well-being of their employees. In addition, I believe that a healthy body and mind has a strong impact on your work. It puts you in a positive framework and helps both professionally and personally. Feeling great every day is really important!
