Trade Burnout for Balance: From Silicon Valley to the Private Sector
by Rob Hecker
Catered dinners. Onsite, complimentary laundry and dry cleaning. Free ride sharing services and pets in the office. These are just a few of the most common perks offered by big tech in Silicon Valley.
Well… were.
According to industry insiders, the days of over-the-top incentives common to tech companies not only appear to be over, but are also poised for significant layoffs. With Silicon Valley jobs on the line, burnout at an all-time high and extravagant perks being cut, it’s the perfect time for tech-savvy employees to look beyond the brass ring and toward the brass tacks of corporate life.
Work-Life Balance AND Career Growth
There’s no question that, in addition to the prestige of working for a big-name tech company, the extravagant perks that are game stakes in Silicon Valley offer an edge few tech workers can turn away.
But that was then. Today, the must-have work perks have shifted toward more personal benefits such as child and family care, wellness, and financial planning.
Fortune reports today’s tech worker wants career-focused perks. They’re looking for companies with clearly defined diversity and inclusion goals, transparency and accountability of senior management, and career development and growth opportunities. Candidates are also actively seeking remote work opportunities, as well as windowed work, which gives employees latitude in scheduling their days.
Corporate America has taken note and is responding in kind. Many companies offer reimbursement or payment for employees to obtain continuing education credits and certifications relevant to their role.
At Unum, we nurture a culture of growth and advancement, with a focus on internal promotions. In 2022, we promoted 2,000 employees, with an additional 1,000 lateral moves that help employees find a place where they can continue to learn and thrive.
Unum also has a finger on the pulse of competitive and comprehensive benefits. In addition to standard medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance and performance-based incentive bonuses, we offer individual-focused perks such as:
Well… were.
According to industry insiders, the days of over-the-top incentives common to tech companies not only appear to be over, but are also poised for significant layoffs. With Silicon Valley jobs on the line, burnout at an all-time high and extravagant perks being cut, it’s the perfect time for tech-savvy employees to look beyond the brass ring and toward the brass tacks of corporate life.
Work-Life Balance AND Career Growth
There’s no question that, in addition to the prestige of working for a big-name tech company, the extravagant perks that are game stakes in Silicon Valley offer an edge few tech workers can turn away.
But that was then. Today, the must-have work perks have shifted toward more personal benefits such as child and family care, wellness, and financial planning.
Fortune reports today’s tech worker wants career-focused perks. They’re looking for companies with clearly defined diversity and inclusion goals, transparency and accountability of senior management, and career development and growth opportunities. Candidates are also actively seeking remote work opportunities, as well as windowed work, which gives employees latitude in scheduling their days.
Corporate America has taken note and is responding in kind. Many companies offer reimbursement or payment for employees to obtain continuing education credits and certifications relevant to their role.
At Unum, we nurture a culture of growth and advancement, with a focus on internal promotions. In 2022, we promoted 2,000 employees, with an additional 1,000 lateral moves that help employees find a place where they can continue to learn and thrive.
Unum also has a finger on the pulse of competitive and comprehensive benefits. In addition to standard medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance and performance-based incentive bonuses, we offer individual-focused perks such as:
- Robust mental and behavioral health and wellness programs
- Student debt relief and tuition reimbursement
- Emergency savings plan
- 8 weeks paid parental leave
- Caregiver leave
- $25,000 in fertility or adoption assistance
- 401(k) contribution with up to 9.5% employer match
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About Unum Group
Unum Group (NYSE: UNM), a leading international provider of workplace benefits and services, has been helping workers and their families thrive for more than 175 years. Through its Unum and Colonial Life brands, the company offers disability, life, accident, critical illness, dental, vision and stop-loss insurance; leave and absence management support; and behavioral health services. In 2023, Unum Group reported revenues of more than $12 billion and paid approximately $8 billion in benefits. The Fortune 500 company is recognized as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere®.
Visit the Unum Group newsroom for more information, and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.
