The perks war of the 2010s brought a wave of flashy, feel-good company benefits. Tech firms led the charge with nap pods, snack bars, and yoga sessions, sparking a competitive arms race in corporate generosity. But times have changed.
Between inflation, hybrid work, and shifting employee values, many of yesterday’s most hyped benefits are now underwhelming—or outright useless. Here’s a look at ten company perks that have lost their shine in today’s evolving workplace.
1. Free Office Snacks and Drinks
Once considered a generous touch, stocked kitchens now feel more like a weak bribe to keep employees at their desks longer. With the rise of remote and hybrid work, many workers rarely set foot in the office to enjoy them. Even when they do, cheap granola bars and basic coffee don’t exactly move the needle on satisfaction. Employers still tout this as a benefit, but it’s often a shallow gesture that fails to address deeper needs. Convenience doesn’t equal value anymore.
2. Unlimited PTO
On paper, unlimited paid time off sounds like a dream. In reality, it often leads to workers taking less time off, not more. Without clear expectations or policies, employees fear judgment or job insecurity if they actually use this “benefit.” Managers can be vague or inconsistent about approvals, making the whole system murky. What was meant to empower now creates confusion and stress.
3. Gym Memberships and On-Site Fitness Classes
Fitness perks used to symbolize a company’s commitment to wellness. But for remote workers or those with packed schedules, a subsidized gym membership goes unused. On-site classes are often offered during work hours when people can’t break away. Meanwhile, companies cut more meaningful health benefits while keeping these visible-but-ineffective programs. Employees need holistic wellness support, not just access to a treadmill.
4. Company Retreats and Offsites
Team bonding trips were once seen as exciting and morale-boosting. But now, they’re frequently viewed as forced, performative, or even exhausting. Employees juggling caregiving or side gigs often can’t afford to spend days away from home for what amounts to extended meetings in scenic locations. Others see them as distractions from real culture-building. A free trip doesn’t fix burnout or poor communication.
5. Casual Fridays
Relaxed dress codes have lost relevance in an age when video calls are the norm and work-from-home attire is already casual. Wearing jeans on Fridays isn’t a thrill when sweatpants are the Monday-through-Friday uniform. This perk used to signify a break from corporate stiffness, but now it feels like a relic. Dress codes in general are fading as people prioritize flexibility and authenticity. Casual Fridays don’t carry the weight they once did.
6. Ping-Pong Tables and Game Rooms
Office game rooms were once the signature of hip, employee-first companies. Today, they’re often gathering dust in underused office spaces. Remote work has made these spaces irrelevant, and even in-office teams rarely have time—or energy—for mid-day foosball. What once seemed like culture is now seen as distraction or gimmick. Employees want deeper investments, not toys.
7. Free Company Swag
Logo-branded hoodies, notebooks, and water bottles used to feel like perks. Now, they often feel like clutter—unnecessary and wasteful items few people genuinely want. Many workers are pushing for sustainability and would rather see those dollars go toward ethical practices or bonuses. Branded gear doesn’t foster loyalty if the core employee experience is lacking. Swag isn’t a substitute for recognition or growth.
8. In-Office Perks for a Mostly Remote Workforce
Massage chairs, nap rooms, and in-house baristas make little impact when most of the team works from home. These perks were designed for another era—when presence equaled productivity. Now, they alienate remote workers and highlight the gap between office-based and remote experiences. Companies continuing to invest in office luxuries while ignoring virtual engagement are missing the mark. Benefits should meet people where they are—not where they used to be.
9. Stocked Holiday Parties
Extravagant holiday events were once considered a major highlight of the year. But as workplace cultures grow more diverse and inclusive, not everyone celebrates the same way—or can even attend. Remote staff may feel left out, and others see these parties as performative acts that don’t address deeper issues like pay equity or work-life balance. The money spent on champagne and DJs might be better used elsewhere. Festivity doesn’t equal fulfillment.
10. Commuter Benefits
Subsidized metro cards, parking discounts, or shuttle buses were once great for urban office workers. But hybrid and remote work have drastically reduced the need for commuting. For many, these benefits go unused and feel irrelevant. Meanwhile, remote workers often miss out entirely on any comparable support. The definition of accessibility has changed, and benefits need to reflect that shift.
Time to Rethink What Employees Really Value
The world of work has changed and so have expectations around what makes a job worth showing up for. Perks that once dazzled now fall flat or fail to reach the modern workforce. Real value today comes from flexibility, fairness, and well-being—not beanbags or branded notebooks. Companies must look deeper, asking not just what looks good on a job ad, but what genuinely improves people’s lives.
What workplace benefits do you believe have become outdated—or should make a comeback? Drop a comment and join the conversation.
Read More
5 Job Benefits You’re Probably Missing (And They’re Worth Real Money)
10 Questions You Should Never Answer on a Job Application
The post 10 Company Benefits That Aren’t Worth What They Used to Be appeared first on Everybody Loves Your Money.
