It’s happening, whether we want it to or not: Many employers are requiring people to come back to the office. In fact, according to a recent report from Resume Builder, 90% of the companies surveyed plan to implement return-to-office policies by the end of 2024. But businesses understand that employees need to be incentivized to return to work in person. In the same study, 72% of companies are offering commuter benefits, 64% are paying for catered lunches, and 57% are providing childcare benefits. The employers below already understand the importance of creating an environment—both at home and on-site—that makes people excited about showing up to work.
Office life and perks is just one of the categories we spotlight in the 2023 VIBE Awards, which we created to showcase companies on The Muse with the strongest employee benefits programs. “VIBE” stands for “voted in by employees” because our methodology combines proprietary data about our partners and votes from their employees, who are asked to rank the strength of their company’s perks and benefits. For each of the seven VIBE Awards categories—which also include professional development and financial and retirement benefits—we feature winners from small, medium, and large businesses.
When it comes to office life, sometimes a small perk like a wellness room can go a long way. Take it from this employee at Mast-Jägermeister US, one of the winners within the small companies: “Our HQ has a quiet and relaxing space for employees and guests to find a little peace and calm. During a visit, I received some pretty bad news from home. I was able to spend time in the wellness room and calm myself. That helped me focus and get in the right headspace to be there for my family and take care of what I needed to do for work.”
Autodesk, a top-ranked company among the medium- and large-size winners, stands out for a range of amenities, including on-site gyms and catered lunches. Says one employee, “Our office spaces are inclusive and innovative, featuring open spaces for collaboration, private spaces for focus time, and no shortage of free drinks and snacks.”
Read on for the full list of winners in the office life and perks category.
Small Companies
Momnt
Who they are: This fintech company offers a platform to businesses and consumers that streamlines digital lending and payments.
What employees are saying: “Momnt is a business that prioritizes its employees in and out of the office. Perks include catered lunches, learning and development opportunities, and a stipend for gym and internet expenses.”
Good Apple
Who they are: This independent ad agency that works with clients in a range of industries, from fashion to healthcare.
What people are saying: “While Good Apple no longer has a dedicated office space, the entire company travels once a quarter to work together internationally, which is a huge perk and quite unique. So far we’ve traveled to Guatemala and Argentina in 2023, and will soon be heading to Colombia and Mexico. I’ve never heard of another company doing anything like this, and as a remote employee, this has helped me feel far more connected to my coworkers.”
Health E-Commerce
Who they are: This e-commerce retailer sells health and wellness products that qualify for FSA and HSA spending.
What people are saying: “I really enjoy the many ways we are offered time to connect and socialize even as a fully remote company. And we all look forward to Summer Fridays from May through September.”
Mast-Jägermeister US
Who they are: This spirits brand imports and distributes premium liquors and spirits in the U.S. and is known for its namesake herbal liqueur.
What people are saying: “As a first-time mother-to-be, simple things like a day at the office were a new challenge for me. The freedom to dress casually and be comfortable made coming to the office a much lower hurdle. While I was there, the office staff made sure the fridges were stocked with my favorite milk to have cereal each day and keep my vitamin D up!”
GameChanger
Who they are: This tech company and app helps youth sports teams stay connected, live stream games, keep score, and more.
What people are saying: “GameChanger has seamlessly found a way to make over 200 employees all across the country unite for the same cause. With our annual work-from-home stipend, snack boxes, and Friday demo sessions, we’re all building great things from the comfort of our homes, all while building a sense of community.”
Hometap Equity Partners
Who they are: Hometap is a fintech company on a mission to make homeownership more accessible.
What people are saying: “Since we are mostly remote, we have a home-office stipend, which has allowed me to build a comfortable and ergonomic home office set up. We also have tons of great opportunities to socialize with our team and other employees.”
Small Girls PR
Who they are: Small Girls PR is a communications and events marketing agency with clients ranging from Kendra Scott to Olay.
What people are saying: “Our Work From Anywhere days are a game-changer in terms of flexibility. We’re on a hybrid schedule and each employee has a bank of WFA days that allows them to swap in-office days to work from a remote location. I was able to schedule some time at the beach this summer!”
Medium & Large Companies
Hudson River Trading
Who they are: This fintech firm develops automated trading algorithms and brings a scientific approach to trading financial products.
What people are saying: “A very generous togetherness policy means you actually get to do fun stuff with your colleagues regularly, and HRT pays for it! And can we talk about our annual company trip? It’s like a super fun wedding, but covered by the firm. We have the coziest swag, an ever-changing stock of snacks and food, and even bubble tea, espresso, and local food vendors on-site, in addition to the best in-house chef five days a week!”
Autodesk
Who they are: This design software company provides CAD and 3D modeling programs to businesses in a variety of industries.
What people are saying: “Autodesk has created a very cool vibe at its offices. There are lots of mini-rooms for zoom calls, phone booths, and a variety of seating designations for both quiet and collaborative work. Full-time IT support ensures quick resolution of any hardware or software issues. There’s also an on-site gym with trainers, community lunch two days a week, and a nitro cold brew machine!”
Booking.com
Who they are: This digital travel company helps millions of travelers book experiences, transport, and accommodations.
What people are saying: “From snacks to games and events that let us interact with colleagues from all over the world, being at a Booking.com office is always a great experience.”
Thomson Reuters
Who they are: Thomson Reuters provides data and insights to professionals across legal, tax, accounting, compliance, government, and media industries.
What people are saying: “The hybrid work environment is based on trust, connection, and flexibility. We also have support to equip our home offices with whatever we need.”
Warner Bros. Discovery
Who they are: This global media and entertainment company brings TV, film, sports, news, and gaming to millions of people around the world.
What people are saying: “We work for the greatest storytelling company in the world, so it’s only right we get to see those stories before anyone else, right? We are frequently offered exclusive employee pre-screenings in our state-of-the-art office movie theaters. Talk about a cool perk.”