By Ringside Talent
May 25, 2025
Just a few years ago, the top perks were all about gourmet cafeterias, on-site massages, and generous sign-on bonuses. But in today’s leaner job market, tech professionals are placing their bets on something else: flexibility and personalization. The best job perk for tech pros might just surprise you.
A New Era of Perks
Startup and tech jobs aren’t as easy to come by as they once were. With industry-wide layoffs and more applicants chasing fewer roles, the power dynamic has shifted back toward employers. That shift is especially evident in how companies are thinking about perks and benefits.
Gone are the days of extravagant office perks designed to woo talent in a competitive hiring market. Today’s companies are thinking lean and prioritizing cost-effective benefits that actually serve the needs of a diverse workforce.
Personalization Over Prestige
Companies are realizing that flashy perks aren’t what keep employees engaged. Instead, we’re seeing a shift toward customizable, lifestyle-based benefits that cater to different life stages.
Rather than one-size-fits-all programs, many startups are now offering lifestyle spending accounts, which let employees allocate funds toward what matters most to them—be it fitness, remote work expenses, or even pet care.
The ability to choose makes these perks feel more relevant and empowering, which boosts satisfaction and retention without inflating budgets.
Fertility and Family Benefits on the Rise
Parental leave has long been standard, but today’s workforce is asking for, and receiving, more. Companies are increasingly offering fertility benefits such as IVF support, adoption assistance, and fertility consultations. These offerings are particularly meaningful to employees starting or growing families, and they signal that a company values long-term wellbeing—not just short-term productivity.
This is more than a trend. It reflects a broader movement in tech to meet professionals where they are, and to create a workplace culture that supports every phase of life.
Hybrid Work and the Cost of Commuting
While remote work isn’t going away, more companies are pushing for a hybrid return to the office. In response, they’re investing in commuter-friendly perks that help reduce the financial and emotional toll of coming into the workplace.
Think: transit stipends, parking reimbursements, or even flexible work hours to avoid peak traffic. These small gestures make a big difference in easing the transition from home office to HQ.
Where Demand Remains High, So Do the Perks
Of course, not all companies are pulling back. In sectors like AI, where the demand for top-tier talent remains sky-high, perks are still very much in play.
Take OpenAI, CoreWeave, or Anthropic. These companies are offering benefits packages that include fully covered health insurance, fertility support, mental health services, and even daily catered meals. When competition is fierce, perks still matter—but they’re also more targeted and holistic than before.
What Tech Pros Really Want Now
So, what’s the most important perk for tech professionals today? Choice.
Perks will always ebb and flow with the market. But the companies that win top talent now and keep them are the ones that understand today’s workers don’t need bells and whistles. They need benefits that fit.
At Ringside Talent, we help fast-moving tech companies and startups attract and retain top professionals by offering what really matters. Let’s connect.