I can’t pay my rent with free pizza!

Free snacks are nice.

So is a ping-pong table.

But let’s be honest, none of that helps when your rent’s due.

We’ve all seen the trend: companies trying to stand out with quirky perks.

Think office dogs, beanbags, yoga at lunch, and “wellness Wednesdays.”

It all sounds good on paper.

And I’m not saying that these things are bad.

But when your payslip doesn’t stretch far enough, free pizza isn’t much comfort.

Perks vs. Pay

There’s a difference between a perk and a reward that matters.

A perk is a bonus.

A nice-to-have.

A fair salary? That’s essential.

People aren’t leaving jobs because they didn’t get enough team-building karaoke nights.

They’re leaving because their salaries don’t match their skills, effort, or cost of living.

The problem with gimmicks

Here’s the issue:

• Perks don’t pay the bills
• Perks don’t help you save
• Perks don’t ease the stress of financial pressure

You can have the coolest office in town, but if your people are stressed about money, they won’t stick around.

And even if they do, don’t expect high engagement or loyalty.

What actually works?

Let’s talk real rewards:

• Fair pay that reflects the job
• Performance bonuses that recognise effort
• Healthcare and pensions that provide long-term care
• Learning budgets so people can grow

These aren’t flashy, but they matter.

People notice when their employer invests in them properly.