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know?
fringe benefits
noun phrase
- compensations made to an employee beyond the regular salary
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WORD ORIGIN
Fringe benefits are compensations made to an employee beyond their regular salary. Some fringe benefits are fairly standard, such as offering a few days of sick time or paid vacation time. Others can be significantly greater, and more rare.
Key executives in large companies might also enjoy fringe benefits like use of time-share condominiums (appartments), paid continuing education, use of a company jet, use of a company credit card, discounted or free health club memberships, and a significant amount of paid vacation.
In the U.S., health insurance that is partially paid by the employer is still viewed by many as a fringe benefit. In many countries, particularly in Europe, employers are required by law to provide health insurance.
In some professions, competition for skilled and experienced workers has forced some companies to offer unusual fringe benefits. And in some companies, generous fringe benefits are simply part of the culture. This is especially true at high tech companies in Silicon Valley where employees can often enjoy massages and game rooms, get their haircut and do their laundry, all without leaving the company grounds.
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SYNONYMS
advantage, bonus, dividend, extra, fringe benefit, gratuity, gravy, largess, perk, perquisite, plus, tip
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SMUGGLE OWAD INTO TODAY'S CONVERSATION:
"Our employee retention rate is high, partly because of the excellent fringe benefits we offer."