I think perks matter if and only if they reinforce an existing positive culture.
For example, I work for a medium-sized software company where employees tend to be fairly athletic. We have groups of runners, surfers, soccer players, tennis players and softball players. We have a licensed yoga instructor come in twice a week for yoga lessons (paid for by the company). We even have a group of people who participate in sailing races every week on the CEO's sail-boat. This aspect of our culture makes it very easy for new hires to quickly make friends and feel like they have become a part of the company. Also, all of these sports are fully sponsored - all sport-related expenses can be reimbursed.
Last year, management approved building showers on the first floor of the building for the sole purpose of making it easier for lunch-time runners to clean up before going back to work. The effect was immediate: many more people started running at lunch time, as they no longer had to worry about being sweaty and stinky after lunch. The showers themselves are a very small perk, but they reinforce the perception that management cares about and supports the active lifestyles of employees.
I somehow doubt having a "Whiskey Fridays" would have the same effect, as we don't have many heavy-drinkers at our company. But one of my friends works for Zappos (based in Las Vegas) and I'm told that everyone there drinks at work. Makes sense, since it's Vegas.
For example, I work for a medium-sized software company where employees tend to be fairly athletic. We have groups of runners, surfers, soccer players, tennis players and softball players. We have a licensed yoga instructor come in twice a week for yoga lessons (paid for by the company). We even have a group of people who participate in sailing races every week on the CEO's sail-boat. This aspect of our culture makes it very easy for new hires to quickly make friends and feel like they have become a part of the company. Also, all of these sports are fully sponsored - all sport-related expenses can be reimbursed.
Last year, management approved building showers on the first floor of the building for the sole purpose of making it easier for lunch-time runners to clean up before going back to work. The effect was immediate: many more people started running at lunch time, as they no longer had to worry about being sweaty and stinky after lunch. The showers themselves are a very small perk, but they reinforce the perception that management cares about and supports the active lifestyles of employees.
I somehow doubt having a "Whiskey Fridays" would have the same effect, as we don't have many heavy-drinkers at our company. But one of my friends works for Zappos (based in Las Vegas) and I'm told that everyone there drinks at work. Makes sense, since it's Vegas.