Work-Life Balance is a Demand of Millennials – Here Are 10 Companies That Make it Happen

Several of my close friends, and the majority of our students, have chosen an entrepreneurial path. There are great benefits in creating a balanced life, one where work, family, friends, and self all have their place.

Today, this is called work-life balance and it’s a demand of Millennials. Companies need to listen and some are.

For many, there is a certain level of risk in becoming an entrepreneur. Consequently, a steady job appeals to so many – consistent paycheck, benefits, paid vacation, and simply less risk.

The millennial generation has now entered the workforce, and a job with a good work-life balance is among the wants of this generation.

Employees are even often willing to take less money in exchange for greater flexibility.

Our friends at The Muse have compiled a list of 10 of the top companies for work-life balance. If you are searching for a job with that in mind, here is a starting point and a barometer for what is currently being offered in some companies.

When you’re considering a new company to join, you certainly want to pay attention to the work-related factors: the things you’ll be doing day to day, the people you’ll be working with, the office space, and the like.

But, perhaps just as important to think about is how the company you’re working for will affect the rest of your life. That’s right: We’re talking about work-life balance.

Luckily, these 10 companies not only encourage having a healthy work-life balance—they help you make it happen. From onsite gyms and childcare centers to company-sponsored travel and volunteering, these companies really make sure you’re still taking care of yourself while you’re helping them succeed.

1. Verizon

Where: All Across the U.S.

Verizon is committed to providing its employees with as much convenience at work as possible. The office has a state-of-the-art onsite gym where employees can take classes like Pilates or simply fit in a workout chatting with a co-worker. On top of the in-office perks, Verizon encourages flexibility with its “Mobility at Work” program, which arms employees with the tools to work from home occasionally to support their out-of-work needs.

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2. World Wildlife Fund

Where: Washington, DC

WWF believes in helping employees find a little balance in their workday. Every day at lunch, staffers have the opportunity to participate in Brown Bag Lunches, where they can discuss their latest projects, socialize and network with co-workers or the CEO, or just expand their minds by learning something new (biodiversity in the Serengeti, anyone?).

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3. OwnLocal

Where: Austin

OwnLocal not only invests in its employees professionally, but emotionally and physically as well. Upon starting, each employee is fitted with a Fitbit pedometer that tracks steps and calories to encourage a healthy lifestyle. A side effect of these tiny tools? Friendly company competition to see who can rack up the most steps.

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4. Discovery

Where: All Around the World

At Discovery, the well-being of the employees always comes first. For starters, Discovery offers free classes and events to help the team learn in new ways and spark creativity through its Kaleidoscope Program. But even more impressive is the in-house wellness center and childcare facility, offered to ensure that employees have all their needs taken care of.

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5. ZeroCater

Where: San Francisco and New York

Where do we start? Working for ZeroCater is an amateur chef’s delight. Not only are there awesome company outings (wine tasting in Napa!), but every employee receives a $500 annual allowance to attend cooking classes, daily catered lunches, and five hours of monthly executive assistant help. All in the name of cohesiveness and happiness!

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6. Marketwired

Where: Across Canada and the U.S.

Marketwired understands the power of giving back, which is why it organizes volunteerism events throughout the year to help build stronger communities while giving employees the chance to get to know each other better. On top of company-wide events, employees get one day off every quarter go to make a difference at an organization that matters to them.

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7. GEICO

Where: Washington, DC

GEICO stands out in the work-life balance arena because it makes a point to support its associates’ post-work passions. Love to run? GEICO sponsors a number of races each year in locations across the country, and it covers registration for interested employees—allowing them to race for free as they pursue the thrill of victory. Team-building activities also often include Zumba classes and softball—plus GEICO encourages employees to start clubs that don’t already exist by offering sponsorships!

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8. Yelp

Where: San Francisco

Yelp employees love working for this company because it provides them with everything they need to get to know whichever city they are in. From constant access to the newest software to boundless meals and a discounted gym membership, working for Yelp means having the opportunity to keep up with your environment in the most convenient ways possible.

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9. Yext

Where: New York

Yext is working hard to build the most important local cloud-computing service on the planet. But it makes sure its employees are taken care of while they’re on the job, with two free meals each day and in-office nap rooms when they need a little break. Oh, and a karaoke machine when they need that kind of break.

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10. Airbnb

Where: San Francisco

Airbnb takes its own advice seriously—travel often, travel globally, and travel together. And that is why every employee is given $2,000 per year to travel anywhere in the world! The company also takes food seriously, boasting a large open kitchen where a personal chef cooks up a feast every day for Airbnb employees.

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