Benefits aren’t just checkboxes on an offer letter — they’re signals of how much a company actually values its people. In this episode of Corporate Baggage, Whitney and Catie dig into the real role of company benefits: Are they a meaningful retention tool, or just empty PR?
From progressive parental leave policies to “perks” that fall flat (looking at you, $5 catalog gifts), this conversation breaks down what makes a benefit worth it — and what sends employees packing. The hosts also reflect on the emotional currency of being seen, recognized, and celebrated at work, and why benefits only matter when you’re allowed to use them.
Whether you’re shaping benefits as an HR leader, navigating them as a team manager, or choosing between job offers as a candidate — this one’s for you.
What do your company benefits really say about you?
In Episode 15 of Corporate Baggage, we go beyond healthcare and 401(k) plans to unpack the benefits that actually make a difference — and the ones that just make people roll their eyes.
🎯 Who this is for:
HR pros designing or refreshing benefits packages
Leaders and managers responsible for team experience
Job seekers deciding between offers
Employees wondering what’s actually normal
💬 Topics We Cover:
The ROI of generous parental leave (hi, Patagonia)
When mental health benefits actually matter
Why unlimited PTO isn’t a benefit if no one takes it
What leaders get wrong about “back in my day…”
How to spot (and stop) bait-and-switch benefit culture
What to do when perks are promised but quietly pulled
🔗 Resources & Takeaways:
📘 Make Yourself Indispensable by Roger Campbell and Darren McKnight
🙌 Like, comment, and subscribe for more workplace real talk. Share this with your boss, your HR team, or that friend who's been side-eyeing their PTO policy.
