Let’s take a moment to appreciate the strange and wonderful world of job perks.
In theory, perks are meant to attract top talent, incentivize performance, and make employees feel valued.
But in practice? Well, let’s just say some companies have wandered off the beaten path and into the realms of pure insanity.
It’s almost as if they gathered their leadership team, locked themselves in a room, and declared, “Let’s see how many buzzwords we can fit into one benefits package!”
If you’ve ever wondered what happens when HR departments get a little too creative, you’re in luck.
Here are some of the weirdest perks companies have actually offered.
1. Unlimited Snacks (If You Can Catch Them)
Imagine the scene: you walk into the break room, stomach grumbling, only to find that the snacks are hanging from the ceiling, attached to strings.
“To promote fitness and wellness,” the company says, in what is surely a lawsuit waiting to happen.
Sure, there’s nothing like a good jump for a granola bar to get the blood circulating.
But let’s be honest - nobody wants to feel like a cat chasing a laser pointer at work.
2. Mandatory Social Media Sabbaticals
Picture this: every quarter, the entire company is forced to go on a social media detox.
Phones are locked in a box, laptops are deactivated, and you’re expected to actually talk to your colleagues face-to-face.
For some, this is a dream come true.
For others, this is the plot of a horror movie.
“But what if the apocalypse happens?” they cry. “What if I miss a meme?”
It’s certainly one way to encourage employee bonding - or mass panic.
3. On-Site Bouncy Castles
Yes, you read that correctly.
Forget standard team-building activities like trust falls and awkward icebreakers.
This company decided that the key to productivity was a weekly bounce session.
Sure, nothing says professionalism quite like a room full of adults squealing with delight as they leap into the air.
It’s the perfect perk for those who wish to relive their childhood dreams - and their chiropractor’s worst nightmare.
4. Bring Your Reptile to Work Day
That’s right - not your dog, not even your cat, but your reptile.
Because nothing boosts office morale quite like a boa constrictor slithering across the meeting table or a gecko eyeing your lunch.
It’s a questionable attempt at inclusivity, to say the least.
And if you’re squeamish, well, better hope you don’t accidentally end up with a tarantula as your desk buddy.
5. Nap Pods (in the Middle of the Open Office)
Nap pods have become increasingly popular, but one company decided to take a different approach.
Instead of placing the pods in a quiet, secluded area, they were set up in the middle of the open-plan office.
So, if you were exhausted and in need of a quick snooze, you could enjoy the dulcet tones of your coworkers’ keyboards clacking and phones ringing.
Because there’s nothing quite like trying to catch some Zs when Dave from accounting is having a heated debate about spreadsheets.
6. Free Tattoos – With a Catch
Everyone loves a freebie, right?
Well, one company thought it would be a brilliant idea to offer free tattoos to their employees.
The catch? They had to be the company logo.
Yes, really.
Perhaps they were hoping for a new form of guerrilla marketing or just a way to ensure no one dared to jump ship.
Either way, this perk is a permanent reminder of questionable decision-making.
7. "Cuddle a Cow"Breaks
Move over, stress balls. Step aside, meditation apps.
One company decided that the ultimate stress reliever was cuddling a cow.
Yes, employees were encouraged to take regular breaks to hug and bond with a bovine friend.
Apparently, the idea is that the cows’ calm energy would help employees relax.
Though I imagine trying to explain that to your family at dinner would be more stress-inducing than stress-relieving.
8. Free Trips to Nowhere
In a bid to inspire creativity, one company offered employees an all-expenses-paid trip… to nowhere.
Employees would board a bus, which would drive aimlessly around the city while they brainstormed ideas.
It’s like a mobile escape room, but with fewer puzzles and more existential dread.
And when the bus finally stopped, everyone was dropped off exactly where they started.
At least it broke up the day, I suppose.
9. Office Golf – in the Corridors
Putting greens in the office sound fun, right?
Well, one company took it a step further by installing a full 9-hole mini-golf course… throughout their corridors.
Great for a quick game during lunch, but less ideal when you’re trying to navigate a meeting and suddenly find yourself dodging a rogue golf ball.
Fore!
10. Psychic Readings
Why invest in career development when you can offer psychic readings instead?
Feeling unsure about your future with the company? Need some guidance?
Let our resident psychic peer into their crystal ball and chart your career path.
Next step: upper management! Or possibly a career change to goat herding. It’s a mystery!
Need to Recruit with Actual Valuable Perks?
If you’re thinking about revamping your employee benefits package, we suggest skipping the gimmicks and focusing on perks that really count.
At Coburg Banks, we help companies attract top talent with competitive, sensible benefits that won’t make your employees question their life choices.
So, if you’re looking to recruit without the ridiculousness, get in touch.
We promise not to suggest bouncy castles or reptile days.
