Coffee. More specifically – free coffee at work. Human Resources Pufnstuf wrote a great post on whether free coffee at work was a benefit or entitlement. When I first read it, I was like…hmmm…what’s my two-cents on this? The post inspired me to share my thoughts on the subject.
As I was trying to figure out where my head was on this matter, I reached for the dictionary to guide me on the definition of benefit and entitlement.
Benefit: a service (as in health insurance) or right (as to take vacation time) provided by an employer in addition to wages or salary
Entitlement: a right to benefits specified especially by law or contract
So, by definition, things like sick pay and holiday parties are benefits. Workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance are entitlements. That would clearly put coffee in the benefit category.
But not so fast…just for argument sake, look at the definition of entitlement again. Every day we remind managers not to use terms like “permanent employees” for fear of implying an employment contract. Is it possible that, over the course of time, businesses have inadvertently turned benefits (like coffee) into entitlements?
I’m never been completely comfortable with blaming the entitlement mentality on employees. I mean, if managers are clearly setting expectations, then wouldn’t employees know which things are benefits and which are entitlements?
The marketer in me thought back to my childhood when hotels would boldly advertise FREE TV on their signs. Now, we couldn’t envision any hotel room without a television. It’s become the new normal, right? But, guess what . . just about every hotel still advertises in-room televisions on their web sites.
Now might be the time to look at your organization. What do you think? What would you say employees are entitled to? Join in on the discussion, won’t you?
Image courtesy of kwerfeldein
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Hi! I'm Sharlyn Lauby, an HR pro turned consultant. I created the HR Bartender blog so people would have a friendly place to discuss workplace issues. And since, over the years, I've developed an appreciation for the culinary arts (translation: I'm a Foodie) you'll see some of that here too. So, pull up a stool and order your favorite drink . . . the bar is always open.
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Not just free tv. Free HBO!
I think if you do just about anything dealing with pay, benefits, or perqs more than once, it starts to become an entitlement. My definition of ‘entitlement’ doesn’t match with the dictionary, but probably resonates with HR folks.
I think free coffee is another way of saying, we’re glad you’re here. And, it’s another way to say “we care.”
I did a stint at Microsoft and they provided free Coke (not the nasal kind) so I am not sure whether it was for Microsoft’s benefit or the Employee’s benefit., i.e. to increase the on the job performance of it’s employees, with added caffeine.
There’s a concept in real estate law that when a certain path has been used as a right-of-way for a certain length of time, the owner of the land can no longer revoke that access. In fact, the right goes with the property when sold (there are a few exceptions, but that’s the general rule…) Maybe the same thing applies to stuff that starts as “perks” like free coffee or tea, water bottles….we acquire a legal right of access that remains with the item…
Google offers its employees many benifits. They give the employee no reason to leave. The more benefits the the employees produce more. I would say go with the free coffee.
shannon