Working in an organization where you receive more than just a salary is usually motivating.
There are some jobs where the incentives alone are more than the salary, and this has a way of making staff stay for a long time instead of jumping from one job to another. When I was doing a 9-to-5 job, I had irresistible benefits attached to the job, to the point that taking the decision to resign was so difficult but necessary.
The only thing I am not missing about the job is the hectic traffic jam and the stress associated with it, which I usually face every morning. The short sleep, because I had to leave so early in order to meet up with the time. Those living in Lagos State, Nigeria, can attest to this. Despite the stress involved, the benefits put in place for the staff are capable of making one overlook the stress. Lolz
I worked in a place where staff were allowed to visit other departments once in a while for the sake of knowledge, regardless of their core profession. As a dental technologist, I had the opportunity to be in both the therapy and surgery departments to learn and be versatile. You know, once someone is aware that you are into dentistry, he or she won't understand that you are a professional in one department before bombarding you with one dental assistance or the other. It becomes beneficial that we are always equipped with the right knowledge to give out there. I really love the free hand given to all staff to explore different departments over there in the military hospital.
Aside from that, there's good accommodation provided for all staff, free of charge. This helped lots of people who live very far and had to take the accommodations. I was also given one, but I declined because I have a family. Another benefit is the health aspect. It's quite encouraging to know that for my health care as their staff, I wouldn't be paying except for a little money when surgery is involved. Sincerely, not every organization does these. And for the moment I worked there, I benefited a lot from the quality, free health care.
What about the 4-month maternity leave? Oh, I really enjoyed it dearly. I remember nursing my baby and receiving alerts at the end of every month without going to work. Not only me, but my entire family was encouraged. Returning to work, I reflected on the organization's kindness to me and didn't relent in giving my best. As if that wasn't enough, I was asked to be closing by 2 p.m. instead of 5 p.m. just because I was a nursing mom then. I wouldn't also forget the double salary with a bag of rice and vegetable oil, which we were always given at the end of the year.
These were more of the mouth-watering benefits I received from my 9-to-5 job back then. And of course, if those benefits weren't there, I wouldn't have lasted longer than I did, but then I quit when it was highly necessary that I take the bold step. But sincerely, it's always difficult to leave such benefits and face reality. As much as I missed my job, I have moved on and am building myself and my business, hoping for a brighter future.
This is my response to the #HiveLearners Community Contest on the topic titled*, Employee Benefits.
All images are mine