Perk up: 5 Austin tech employees share how their companies support them

by Katie Fustich
October 17, 2018

Eighteen different types of artisanal kombucha on tap is all well and good, but we wanted to find out which perks actually matter to local tech employees. After speaking to five Austin techies about their favorite perks, we learned about some that boost work-life balance or inspire a more open company culture, and, yes, some that involve puppies.

 

Trendkite
image via trendkite

TrendKite creates “PR software for the digital world.” Its suite of products help teams identify and act on key engagement opportunities across the virtual realm. In reality, TrendKite Office Manager Carrie Carroll shared how the company builds a welcoming culture for its employees.

 

Tell me about your favorite perk offered by your company. Why is it special?

Our employee resource group program. TrendKite is focused on supporting employees to make a difference in areas that they are passionate about. I love that the ERGs are employee-run and cross-departmental, and they give everyone at TrendKite the opportunity to feel included in something bigger.

We just kicked them off, but there’s already a lot of momentum and action coming from the groups. For example, our community service group has already partnered with a local nonprofit, which we’re all really excited about.

And of course, I love our fully stocked kitchen, especially making green smoothies with all the fresh groceries. In a recent employee survey we learned that more than 70 percent of our employees make breakfast at the office (and even more for lunch), which is pretty awesome.

 

How does your current role compare to past positions in terms of meeting the needs of employees?

One of the first things I noticed when I walked into the office for the first time was the standing desks. Every person can decide whether they sit or stand, and when. We also have a separate no-talking quiet space called the Library. We love the open office environment for collaboration, but the Library provides a space for those who need some dedicated time to focus on a task or maybe don’t always thrive in an open layout. TrendKite invests in these seemingly small things that actually really have a big impact on the quality of life at work.

 

Tenfold
image via tenfold

Tenfold helps companies make the most of every customer interaction, with software that logs and analyzes phone calls. Senior Sales Development Representative Hannah Crow explained how, despite having a world-class product, Tenfold maintains a lively startup atmosphere.

 

Tell me about your favorite perk offered by your company. Why is it special?

Being able to bring my dog to work is a huge perk. I have a (really cute) chocolate lab named Miles Davis who by nature has a lot of energy and loves being around people. In the past, it’s always been a burden having him to leave him home alone all day while I go to work. Tenfold’s dog-friendly office makes for a lively and relaxed environment.

 

How does your current role compare to past positions in terms of meeting the needs of employees?

Coming from a Fortune 500 company into a fresh startup environment, I was genuinely surprised by how much the company felt like a family. Since day one, I immediately noticed the judgement-free culture, which has always cultivated a space to openly share ideas. Tenfold not only encourages candid input from employees, but sees it as an integral part of our company’s success.

 

BlackLocus
image via blacklocus

BlackLocus operates as a tech innovation lab under parent company The Home Depot. Presently, their work sees them developing cloud-based tools to automate e-commerce challenges. Engineering Manager Karlie Verkest revealed how employees are rewarded for their hard work.

 

Tell me about your favorite perk offered by your company. Why is it special?

Massage day! Once a month we bring in massage therapists to our office. I love this perk, not only because of my sore shoulders but because of the statement it makes to the team. “We care about you. You’ve done great work. You know what? You deserve a massage!”

 

How does your current role compare to past positions in terms of meeting the needs of employees?

Right now my primary responsibility is to enable the team — to help them succeed, be happy, be heard and be served. And I have the autonomy to act in their interest, which is a healthy strategy for building a team that will be productive in the long term. I’m glad to be at a job where I am encouraged to treat people like actual humans and not just resources.

 

Aceable
image via aceable

The team at Aceable builds mobile education solutions that help everyday people learn on the go. Their first solution has helped thousands take steps towards earning their driver’s licenses. Content Marketing Specialist Amanda Hagley explained how Aceable affords the same flexibility to its employees as it does to its users.

 

Tell me about your favorite perk offered by your company. Why is it special?

I love Aceable’s flexible scheduling and time off policy. It’s great that employees are treated as trusted team members who can come and go as they need to, within reason, as long as the work gets done. Leadership trusts that they’ve hired the right team members who take pride in their work, and employees value that the flexibility allows for good work-life balance.

 

How does your current role compare to past positions in terms of meeting the needs of employees?

In past positions, there wasn’t as much flexibility. I know this isn’t possible for all companies, as some roles require a person to be available at specific times, but it’s something I have really enjoyed during my time at Aceable.

 

Vyopta
image via vyopta

Vyopta’s SaaS software gives companies crucial operational and business insights into their unified communications tools, like audio, video and more. Senior Demand Generation Manager Blake McGee explained to Built In Austin why having flexibility is key to employee success.

 

Tell me about your favorite perk offered by your company. Why is it special?

My favorite perk at Vyopta is having flexibility. I can be more productive with unlimited PTO and less rigid work hours week to week. I’m also a craft beer fan, and enjoy a company that supports local beer with two kegs on tap at all times. Vyopta has a unique startup culture that invites people who like to have fun, learn and develop as professionals.

 

How does your current role compare to past positions in terms of meeting the needs of employees?

I’ve been in positions where companies say they are open to collaboration and support, but it’s not exactly the case. Everyone here is super collaborative and, being a company that builds software in conjunction with collaboration, it makes sense. Our culture team is dedicated to open, honest feedback and are constantly striving to make this an enjoyable place to work.

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