Happiness at work makes employees more productive and engaged. But happiness at work isn’t what it used to be.
While Baby Boomers often went to one job 5 days a week for their entire working career, Millennials don’t want to be locked in what they often see as a dark, energy-sucking box for life. It’s not that they’re lazy or lack the ability to succeed. It’s simply that they’ve grown up with a different mindset—one that values career growth, flexibility, and feeling a sense of purpose.
Work has traditionally taken a one-size fits all approach that one must conform to or be gone. Managers used to think that free perks could buy employee loyalty and happiness, and that may have worked in the past. But with 64% of Millennials reporting excitement at the prospect of working from home, or having flexible hours, many companies are rethinking—and redesigning—what work looks like.
While the days of suiting up and heading in to the 9-5 might not be gone for good, many new work policies are taking the need for work-live balance—and greater productivity—into consideration.
Here’s a snapshot of just a few of the companies that offer the perk of flexibility to meet every work-life balance need.
1. Riot Games
This gaming company takes work and play seriously. With open PTO, team members are able to schedule vacations that work for them, and keep them fresh and energized on the job.
2. Adobe Systems
The software developer known for Photoshop and Acrobat wants its teams to be fully engaged and fully energized when on the job. That’s why it offers 4 weeks of paid sabbatical every five years, and plenty of paid time off. With paid maternity leave of 26 weeks, and 2 weeks of company shutdown each year, this company might just make you wish you worked here.
3. RYAN
This tax services and consulting company focuses on what really matters: the quality of your work. And the stats say it all:
94% of team members at Ryan feel free to take time off from work when they need to. From telecommuting and flextime opportunities to shorter workweeks, this company values it’s teams and gives them the opportunities to work the way they do best.
4. Cisco Systems
Well known in the tech world, the company is creating the products to get users online. It’s lauded in Silicon Valley as one of the top companies that promotes work-life balance with its childcare centers, and work-from-home opportunities.
5. HubSpot
The HubSpot team knows how to facilitate and manage good relationships. It’s not just what they do, it’s what their culture is about. Team members can take as many vacations as they need, without the dreaded request for time off. And those limited time slots for doctor’s appointments at the end of a workday? Don’t worry about it. You can schedule your appointments anytime, and just come to work after. All in all, the feeling that management cares about each person and celebrates special occasions make 98% of employees describe it as a
fun place to work.
6. Hyland
Hyland’s execs realize that everyone works differently, so they don’t force anyone into a box. That means that team members at this software company can choose their work hours, or to work remotely. Teams aren’t micromanaged, but given the opportunity to prove themselves to be the hard workers that they are—and live their lives, too.
7. Amgen
Along with a variety of employee assistance programs and 401K matching program, the company offers employees 3 weeks of vacation a year and 2 weeks of sick leave. This is all in addition to the 2 weeks each year where the company shuts down—and did we mention paid parental leave?
8. WellStar Health System
For individuals looking for work-life balance WellStar Health Systems might be just the company you’re looking for. With plenty of paid time off for parents, tuition reimbursement and time off for grieving family members, this company knows that treating its people right is the right thing to do. The company has been recognized as
one of the best workplaces for several years in a row.
9. Raytheon
Compressed or modified workweeks give employees time to pursue the things they’re passionate about. With a variety of flexibility options, and 3 weeks of parental leave (plus a range of employee (and educational) assistance programs and resources) makes this company a win.
10. PwC
The well-known consulting firm focuses on excelling across the spectrum, in every way. It’s not a place to slough off on your responsibilities. They expect a lot of their team. But they also ensure their team members have the opportunity for the work-life balance that works for them. Flexibility is key to their excellence, and likely the reason that
90% of employees are willing to give a job their best, and then some.
If you’re looking for a flexible company, partner up with a recruiter who can help you find the job that fits your life.
