Attracting top software engineering talent is a competitive game, and to have an edge these days, you’ve got to stand out … great health benefits, free food, an active social community … the list goes on.
But when it comes to perks, here’s one I bet you haven’t heard much about: feminine hygiene products. That’s right; I went there.
The fact is that a few of the most competitive software companies - Yahoo!, IBM, Apple, and Microsoft to name a few - offer these products as a “perk” to their female employees. And while you will likely never see the phrase “All the feminine hygiene products you can use” on an employer’s corporate career site, these types of perks do resonate with employees.
Don’t believe the impact? Just check out some of the comments on this thread: 'free tampon' - yahoo! women's room. All I can say is that these companies better think twice if they decide to cut this perk. The Great Microsoft Towel Revolt of 2004 will pale in comparison. :)
Makes you wonder though … what other interesting and odd perks are out there that companies never publicize? Do you know of any others?
gretchen