Israeli law is very specific about employee rights and many companies provide only what the government requires. But this is not the case in every job. There are many job perks that might be offered by Israeli companies, and it is worth finding out what is prevalent in your industry and what a potential employer offers before accepting a job.
Some of the perks that are offered are worth actual money, so they should be considered when you decide whether the salary you’re being paid is acceptable. Job perks might include:
Holiday gifts
In some companies, gifts are given to employees before Rosh Hashanah and before Pesach (or before one or the other). These gifts can range from something small and symbolic to something relatively expensive. Some companies give cash bonuses or gift cards but many will give actual gifts and allow you to choose from a few options.
Cibus or 10bis
Some companies, especially in the hi-tech industry, provide employees a stipend for purchasing meals through either the Cibus or 10bis app. Employees order in lunch and don’t need to go out to get a meal, so this keeps employees focused on work and taking shorter lunch breaks. Be aware that employers have different policies about using these cards, and some will only allow their use when the employee is actually in the office.
Kitchen full of food and snacks
Another way to keep employees well-fed, satisfied and focused on work is to keep a kitchen full of basic food items and snacks. Some companies will provide fixings for sandwiches, crackers, cookies, potato chips etc. They may also have a sandwich maker, microwave, refrigerator and coffee machine.
Keren Hishtalmut
Many companies offer their employees the option to receive a Keren Hishtalmut (education fund). Although originally meant for the purpose of professional training, this is basically a tax-free savings plan with contributions made both by the employer and the employee. After three years, the funds can be withdrawn for educational purposes and after six years, for any purpose. Contributing to a Keren Hishtalmut is less expensive for the employer than raising the employee’s salary, so it can be a win-win for both sides.
Equity or options
Start-ups which are strapped for cash might offer stock options or equity in the company instead of a higher salary. This perk is more of a gamble; if you believe in the product and the founders, you may want to take the risk that this will pay off in the future.
Professional courses
Some employers will pay for professional training and may even allow you to take these courses during regular work hours. Professional courses are a long-term investment in your career, since they increase your employability and are likely to lead to a higher salary in your next job or a promotion in your current one.
In the field of education, professional courses aren’t free but they are heavily subsidized and the more courses you take, the higher your salary.
Phone and computer
Since the world has moved heavily to portable devices, employers often provide the employee with a phone or computer that they can use both at work and at home. Of course, mobile devices may also come with the expectation that you will be available for work outside the normal work hours. When you terminate your employment (or it is terminated), you will likely be offered the option of buying the device at a discounted price. Otherwise, you will have to return it.
Car lease
In order to make it easier for employees to get to work on time, your company might offer the option of leasing a car through whichever leasing company they use. This is an attractive offer, since there is usually a gas allowance and maintenance included in the price. But you really need to do your research and see if the deal you are being offered is better financially than buying a fairly new second-hand car. When you leave the job, you will have to return the car or buy it from the leasing company.
Private health insurance
Although basic services are provided by the government-run Kupot Cholim (health clinics), many Israelis have private health and/or dental insurance to supplement the basics. In select companies, private insurance is offered to employees. Hopefully you will never actually need it, but if you do, it can be worth quite a lot of money and save time and aggravation in getting necessary medical treatment.
Vacation days
Current laws mandate 12 mandatory vacation days in addition to national holidays. Any vacation days above that amount, assuming the employer allows you to take them, are unpaid. In senior positions in most companies, employees are offered more generous vacation packages. You might get a few extra days a year or even enjoy unlimited vacation days. The idea of unlimited days is that as long as the work is getting done, the employer is not concerned with when it is done. Paradoxically, employees with unlimited vacation days often take less vacation because they feel more guilty when they take time off.
When you look at the number of vacation days you’re getting, you also need to ask about compulsory vacation. Israeli law allows employers to close their offices and send everyone on vacation, and these days are deducted from the annual vacation days due to each worker. Common times that this is done include Erev Chag (the day before a Jewish holiday), Chol Hamoed (intermediary days of Sukkot and Pesach) and the end of August.
Sick days from day one
According to Israeli law, if you take one sick day, you are not paid for it. The second and third days are 50% pay and the fourth and on are 100% pay. A perk that you may be able to get is to be paid from the first sick day. This will make it more feasible to take one day off when you’re not feeling well but don’t have a serious illness, without being financially penalized.
Unions and discounts
Certain industries are unionized. Unions fight for employee rights in general and also offer their members discounts on various attractions, hotels, cultural events, products and services. Unions service educators, government and military personnel, healthcare workers and more.
Hybrid work and flexible work hours
In recent years, it has become increasingly popular for employers to require less time in the office and allow for partial or complete work from home, as well as flexibility in when the required hours are worked. Hybrid work can be important if you live far from your office and flexible work hours are important for parents and for people who do their best work outside conventional hours. Even one day a week at home can break up the work week and stave off exhaustion from commuting and office interactions.
Gym or fitness classes
Large companies sometimes have gym facilities on the premises or offer fitness classes to their employees. If exercise is an important part of your lifestyle, having these options at your fingertips without having to travel to another location or paying for a membership can be a significant perk.
Fun days for employees or for employees’ families
This one is a little controversial, because not everyone likes company fun days. Israeli companies see them as opportunities for promoting team spirit and encouraging collaboration. If you enjoy interacting socially with colleagues, these fun days can be a nice perk. If you don’t enjoy them or they are scheduled at inconvenient times outside of work hours, you might see them as more of a burden (especially since you are usually required or strongly encouraged to attend).
There are some companies where fun days are organized for employees along with their families. These can be great activities to bring kids to, saving you from organizing and paying for something for your kids to do during school vacation.
Remember that not all jobs and not all industries will be rich in perks. Some will stick pretty closely to what’s required by law, while others will be more generous. You have to weigh the value of the perks against the salary, job satisfaction and work-life balance when making a decision about taking or staying at a job. When negotiating a salary, keep in mind that perks cost the company less than a higher salary, so when a potential employer won’t budge on the amount they’re offering, you can often ask for and receive some extra perks.