Image via Complex Original
In the past, wellness and work were two totally separate entities—you’d work all day, and then work out whenever your personal to-do list was finished. But as more and more young companies are proving, combining health-oriented perks with office life not only makes employees happier, but it also makes the business more efficient. From Google’s massive campus to smaller “creative playpens,” these tech companies might differ in size and business model, but they all share a wellness-friendly attitude and California roots. Whether you’re talking about free gym memberships, gourmet meals, in-house massages, or even nap pods, check out 10 California-based companies that are changing the way employees stay healthy.
Location: Mountain View
It wouldn’t make sense to start this list with anyone but Google. The Mountain View-based startup-turned-internet giant has had wellness engrained into the company culture since first moving into its massive campus back in 2004. Besides stocking the Googleplex with brain-food-heavy gourmet breakfasts, lunches, and dinners (they’re also free), employees have access to pretty much every exercise option imaginable. Think bikes, volleyball courts, heated swimming pools, massage therapy, a gym, fitness classes, and even an indoor slide. Plus there’s a physical therapist and chiropractic office on-site in case your workout hits any snags.
Location: Menlo Park
After outgrowing its Palo Alto space several years ago, Mark Zuckerberg decided to move Facebook’s HQ, but he preserved all of its amazing amenities (and then some). In addition to plenty of food options, each employee has a treadmill workstation and free access to a state-of-the-art gym in house. But if for some reason you want to work out elsewhere, the company will pay your other gym fees. And if employees get sick, no worries: Facebook will comp 100 percent of employee medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums.
Weebly
Location: San Francisco
The blog platform knows that wellness extends back home, which is why it gives employees a $50 credit each month for housecleaning and concierge service. They can also cash in on free gym memberships, in-office yoga classes, and free food, drinks, and snacks at work.
Location: San Francisco
Twitter offers free catered breakfasts and lunches in its SF HQ, along with yoga, Pilates, a rock wall, and comped gym memberships (so you can choose your own gym depending on your needs). An extra bonus is the discounted ZipCars—because let’s be real, everyone has to get out of the office occasionally.
Location: San Francisco
The SF-based career networking website takes the wellness culture up a notch, offering not only a 24/7 gym, but a variety of exercise classes as well (Tai Chi, Zumba, bootcamp, power yoga, and strength training). Employees can also get in-office massages and weekly lectures, so they can relax and work out their brains in addition to their bodies.
Yelp
Location: San Francisco
Yelp already has the classic startup perks, like a kitchen that’s always stocked with fresh, constantly changing breakfast and lunch foods and gym discounts. However, the site makes staying healthy even easier with free health insurance and the option to get a flu shot without even leaving your desk.
Social Print Studio
Location: San Francisco
The company’s 6,000 square-foot “creative playpen” not only has a rooftop garden and a music room stocked with every musical instrument imaginable, it also has special napping boxes for when employees need a break.
Eventbrite
Location: San Francisco
This SF startup offers its employees treadmill desks, as well as access to a kitchen stocked with a Vitamix blender, kombucha, fresh fruit, hummus, Greek yogurt, and flaxseed.
Salesforce
Location: San Francisco
The startup’s Wellness Reimbursement Program offers up to $100 per month for fitness classes, nutrition counselors, and weight-loss assistance. It also encourages employees to utilize Keas, which is a social wellness website that uses teamwork and accountability to stay fit. The in-house wellness center has fitness classes, massage therapy, and nutritional counseling services—not to mention showers and fully stocked locker rooms.
Fitbit
Location: San Francisco
It’s only natural that an exercise-inspired startup would have some sweet wellness perks, and Fitbit’s offerings are top-notch. Employees can opt for treadmill desks and weekly fitness classes, spicing things up with Zumba, strength training, and kickboxing.
