Women often find themselves having to juggle their work and family life–or worse–having to choose between them. Not many companies offer quality childcare and other perks that help women achieve a healthy work-life balance.
The National Study of Employers found that only 7% of companies provide access to an on-site daycare center for their employees. The lack of benefits for working women is also one of the reasons female-focused coworking spaces are popping up across the country.
However, companies don’t want to lose their top talent, so they’re starting to offer various perks and benefits that cater to female employees, including flexible hours, remote work options, extended paid maternity leaves, and more. We’ve zoomed in on Austin, an up-and-coming tech hub, to gauge what incentives companies are offering to attract and retain female employees in the area, and what steps they’re taking to create an inclusive work environment. Here are 6 companies headquartered in Austin that offer some awesome perks that, while great for all employees, especially appeal to women:
1. Dell
Round Rock, Texas-based Dell is committed to attracting, retaining and supporting female employees across its global network. The computer technology company has even created internal development programs to serve this purpose, such as its Leading Women @ Dell program, Dell Women’s Entrepreneur Network (DWEN), and Women in Action ERG. The company is also one of FlexJobs’ top 10 companies for flex work environments, offering working mothers the possibility to choose flexible work schedules or work remotely. Learn more about their initiatives here.
2. Homeaway
Vacation rental marketplace Homeaway is another company that offers its female employees a plethora of appealing benefits, including flexible work schedules, up to 20 weeks of paid parental leave, depending on eligibility, and a $500 new parent benefit. All Homeaway employees get medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, 401(k) plans, as well as cultural perks like weekly breakfasts, game rooms in all its Austin offices, two paid time off volunteer days, casual Fridays, and much more.
3. National Instruments
Multinational company National Instruments, or NI, offers a variety of perks and benefits that encourage diversity and gender equality in the workplace. NI employees have access to an on-site health center staffed with a physician, a practitioner, a registered nurse, and support personnel; adoption assistance; life and health insurance; paid bereavement days; 10 annual paid sick days, 10 annual paid holidays, and 3 weeks of paid vacation; a 24-hour toll-free employee counseling program, and much more.
4. SpareFoot
Austin-based SpareFoot, which provides listings for self-storage units, offers an endless list of highly appealing perks. Their office features a mother’s room, on-site gym access with separate yoga space, a fully-stocked kitchen, and a dog-friendly policy. Their parental leave policy includes up to 12 weeks of fully paid maternity leave, and new parents receive a week of chef-prepared, delivered meals, as well as one month of free laundry service. SpareFoot has a large presence at the Texas Conference for Women, is a sponsor of the Austin Pride Parade, and boasts internal programs like the Diversity and Inclusion Rask Force, the Culture Club, and the Women of SpareFoot blog on Medium.
5. Whole Foods Market
Employees at retail giant Whole Foods Market enjoy an unlimited number of perks, including comprehensive healthcare programs, free counseling sessions, competitive pay, 401(k) or HSA programs, home and auto discounts, as well as 20% to 30% in-store discounts on their favorite products. Their leadership team also includes many female executives, so you’ll have the opportunity of climbing up the ladder regardless of your gender.
6. Indeed.com
Leading search engine for job listings Indeed.com is committed to creating a flexible and attractive work policy that will appeal to job seekers of all ages and genders. The company offers an open vacation policy to its full-time employees across the globe, while its offices feature collaborative team spaces, private areas, and a casual dress code. Internal inclusion programs include the Asian Network, their Black Inclusion Group, an International Inclusion Group, a Latinos in Tech group, iPride group for LGBTQ+ employees, as well as a Veterans & Allies group. The company’s Women at Indeed group offers support to all female employees, including focus areas in Sales and Tech.
