Silicon Valley tech workers no longer enjoy many perks

Not long ago, employees at major Silicon Valley technology companies enjoyed a perfect office life: good coffee, full sleeping bags, never-missing massage equipment, and an extra room. On-site medical examination and many snacks throughout the day.

According to Christen Nino De Guzman, a former Instagram employee, “ The biggest benefit of this company is definitely the food. I really never have to go grocery shopping. All three meals are served in the office by Michelin-starred chefs. Dishes will be prepared to suit all diets ”.

Kenneth Waks, a former employee at Google’s Mountain View, California office, says his favorite perk is the “bowl alley.”

“ They have a lot of entertainment and TV areas. Beer is everywhere and you can drink it whenever. 24/7 offices are also great. On the weekend, I will pick you up to the office to exercise, have a snack and have a massage ,” Mr. Waks said.

But earlier this year, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, announced a number of benefits cuts, including stopping free laundry services for employees. Meal times at headquarters in Menlo Park, California, have also been moved from 6:30 to 6 p.m., which coincides with the last bus service. Google also recently stopped paying lunch fees and cut fitness classes.

Is the golden age of American tech giants over?

“ Cutting such perks will affect your morale and feelings about the company and how much executives care ,” said one Meta employee.

Before that, last month, Meta CEO, billionaire Mark Zuckerberg also wondered whether “Meta Days” – a compensatory time off during the pandemic – should continue to be implemented in 2023.

“ Mark Zuckerberg hopes we work more and this is exhausting people. It’s okay when they love you, but when they speak out against you, it’s terrible. Everyone seems to be put in a competitive position. I wonder if the latter part of the technological peak was a significant downfall? ”, said a technology employee.

However, after the pandemic and a long time for employees to work from home, the company announced that it had started setting up flexible co-working, then sold 4 headquarters buildings. Delicious food, state-of-the-art gym, meditation area and game consoles are also gone.

“ Perks are one of the five most important things an employee should consider taking a job. So the loss of perks could make them decide to quit ,’ one Meta employee said.

But, according to De Guzman, a former Instagram employee, one of the things that attracts talent today is the work-from-home policy. Google, like Apple, has asked employees to come to the office three days a week, despite previously allowing all employees to work remotely.

“ Work culture has changed so much. People love to work remotely or to combine schedules. Google and Meta have always been known as corporations with beautiful campuses, but if employees only go to work a few days a week, does that even matter? ,” said De Guzman.

By: The New York Post