Before the economic downturn job perks at top companies were significant and, in many cases, expanding. During the most recent lean years many companies have scaled back in all areas, including perks.
Google is well known for its creative work spaces and generous perks. Earlier this year they added a new death benefit payable to the surviving partner or spouse of any employee who dies. More specifically, Google will “pay the spouse or partner of a deceased staffer half of their salary for a decade” and the employee’s “children will receive $1,000 a month until the age of 19.”
So What?
With overall congregational giving down or flat in recent years many congregations have had to reduce their human resources budgets. While few parishes are likely to add generous death benefits, all should strive to craft creative ways to express appreciation for their clergy and staff.
- What perks does your congregation currently provide its employees?
- What is the appropriate group to review the current perks and propose new ones to the congregation’s leadership team? What suggestions would you give this group?
- What is the most unique and/or meaningful perk you have ever heard of a church or religious nonprofit offering its employees?