Wednesday 03 February 2016 4:48 pm

The 20 best perks firms like Netflix, Spotify, Facebook and Google offer their employees

We spend most of our waking hours in the office, so it’s no surprise we’d want that time to pass by as enjoyably as possible.

Careers website Glassdoor has surveyed employees to find the best perks available, and according to the recruiter, more than half, some 57 per cent, argue that perks are among their “top considerations” when deciding whether or not to accept a job.

In fact, almost four in five employees say they’d pick a good perk, like extra time off, or health insurance, over a pay rise.

But when it comes to giving us what we want, most employers are completely lost, thinking what we want most of all is flexible hours. In fact, what employees are far and away clamouring for most is more annual leave.

Whether you’re an employer or employee, look no further than the list below for inspiration. And forget things like free food and on-site gyms – the companies below have gone the extra mile, from egg freezing to free amusement park passes:

1. Netflix: One year of parental leave

One year of paid parental leave to new parents. Netflix also lets parents return part-time if they so wish.

2. REI: Yay Days

REI offers employees two paid days off called “Yay Days” – intended to get employees outdoors more.

3. Salesforce: Charity donations

Employees get six annual days of paid time off for volunteer work, and $1,000 a year to donate to whatever charity they choose.

4. Spotify: Egg freezing

As well as six months of paid parental leave, Spotify also covers costs for egg freezing or fertility assistance.

5. World Wildlife Fund: Panda Fridays

Employees get every other Friday off, known as “Panda Fridays”.

6. Airbnb: Travel money

Airbnb gives all employees a $2,000 annual stipend to travel and stay at an Airbnb listing anywhere in the world.

7. PwC: Student loan help

PwC employees get $1,200 per year for student loan debt reimbursement.

8. Pinterest: Parental leave

Pinterest provides three paid months off, one month of part-time hours and two counseling sessions to help new parents make a plan for re-entering the workplace.