Since then, employee benefits have become part of technology companies’ talent promotion.

“If your office looks like an all-inclusive five-star resort, you’re more likely to have employees who take pride in working there, breathe in the culture, feel a sense of belonging, and spend more time in the office” , explains Chamorro-Premuzic. “Incorporating aspects of the non-work environment into the workplace reinforces the idea that work is an integral part of your life, including your personal leisure and leisure activities.”

But the pandemic and the rise of remote and hybrid work modes have begun to limit the impact of the on-site advantage. An analysis of 70,000 Glassdoor posts by UK tech workers shows that 8.3% of reviews posted in 2019 mentioned workplace benefits, such as a gym or free food; in December 2022, this figure was only 4%.

“As employees are expected to be in the office at least occasionally, companies have an incentive to make their experience enjoyable,” says Lauren Thomas, Europe economist at Glassdoor. “But the data suggests that the decline in benefits is more closely linked to the amount of time employees spend in the office.”

Over the past few months, big tech companies have cut tens of thousands of jobs, driven by a bleak economic outlook and over-hiring during the pandemic. In such an environment, it is inevitable that employee benefits will be reduced.

“We no longer have breakfast at our daily city hall and apparently we no longer get food at social events,” says one London tech worker. “There are budget cuts and events are canceled. »

While it may make sense to cut benefits if workers are laid off and demand for in-person facilities is below pre-pandemic levels, that doesn’t mean cutting free lattes or fitness classes will have no impact on the workers who benefit from them. stay. “This can damage trust, by implying that benefits were not offered unconditionally, rather than forcing people to work,” says Chamorro-Premuzic. “Even as the economy deteriorates, companies risk losing the battle for talent if they suddenly manifest a hard edge that suggests they weren’t really the cultural haven they appeared to be.”

Even though tech workers are often well-paid, many will be upset about having to shell out for food and dry cleaning during a cost-of-living crisis, Lordan says. “It’s not just about the financial expense, but also the loss of the convenience of having a free on-site service – no one likes to have something taken away from them.”