ForceBrands’ 2019 Talent Market Report found that companies looking to attract and retain top talent should look to their benefits and compensations packages to remain competitive. When it comes to employee benefits, younger generations like millennials and Gen Zers favor work-life balance, flexibility, and unique perks — among them are paid sabbaticals. And like unlimited vacation, very few companies offer this perk.
In 2017, just 17 percent of companies offered employee sabbaticals, with just 5 percent offering a paid medium-term absence benefit, according to a survey conducted by the Society of Human Resource Management.
Although these employee benefits are rare, they do exist. Read on as we share some food, beverage, and beauty companies offering this sought-after perk.
1. New Belgium
In 1988, a bike trip through Belgium inspired Kim Jordan and Jeff Lebesch to start their own craft brewery, bringing the centuries-old Belgian beer styles to Fort Collins, Colo. While the business has grown from a basement operation to a national operation, New Belgium Brewing Company still remains employee-owned and focused. The wealth of employee benefits is proof of how seriously the company takes being “employee first.” Highlights of the full-time benefits package include paid sabbaticals, 100 percent coverage of health care premiums, a fully stocked kitchen, and profit-sharing based on performance targets.
2. Clif Bar
Clif Bar strives to be a different kind of company — a place where you genuinely want to work. The company’s first better tasting, good-for-you energy bar hit store shelves in 1992, followed by the launch of the Luna Bar in 1999. A family and employee-owned company, Clif Bar invests in their community through the Clif Bar Family Foundation and invests in their employees through their generous benefits packages. From Thursday morning bagels, a company climbing wall, first-time home buyer loans, flexible work weeks, to paid sabbaticals after seven years of service, these benefits are some of the best around.
3. Modern Times
Modern Times was born in 2013 when a group of brewers, coffee roasters, and culinary wizards came together to create some of the best aroma-driven, complex, and flavorful beers on the market. Today, the company has breweries and tasting rooms all over the state of California, including the original location in the Point Loma neighborhood of San Diego. Employee-owned, Modern Times offers great benefits like unlimited time off, a two-month paid sabbatical after five years of employment, more free beer and coffee that one could reasonably drink, and long-term disability. Even better, employees have the opportunity to earn equity in the company over time, thereby becoming part-owners themselves.
4. BrewDog
BrewDog is a craft brewery that’s been on a mission to change the world of beer forever and to get consumers passionate about what’s inside their glasses (and cans) since 2007. Starting this kind of revolution demands a lot from the company’s employees, so BrewDog makes sure their team members are well taken care of. From four-week paid sabbaticals every five years, 12 weeks of maternity and paternity leave, childcare vouchers, a crazy staff discount, beer education, to an employee gym, there’s something that’s sure to please every ‘Dog’ on the team.
5. Harry’s
Harry’s set out to make shaving and grooming products for men that are thoughtfully designed, effective, and won’t break the bank. Sold primarily online, the products have developed a cult following in the CPG industry, thanks in no small part to the team’s hard work. In return, Harry’s rewards its employees with a wealth of employee benefits. Highlights include commuter benefits, 16-weeks of paid parental leave, a one-month paid sabbatical after five years of employment, free breakfasts, lunches, and snacks, company activities, and access to Harry’s products.
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