Three Modern Workplace Benefits with a Dark Side

Over the past decade, companies have come up with new benefits to attract and retain workers. A lot of these initiatives are wonderful incentives that make the working world more tolerable and increase job satisfaction. However, some of these benefits sound great on paper but come at a cost to you. If you’re not paying attention, you might miss out on the actual benefits and end up being taken advantage of.

Here are three modern workplace benefits that can have a dark side if you’re not being careful.

Remote Workplaces

Remote work has been growing with the advance of technology and really took off during the pandemic. Working from home is a great benefit for a lot of people. You can cut down on unnecessary and long commutes, mitigate distractions in a busy workplace, and have more flexibility to be with family. However, when your home is your workplace, there is no clear “end” to the workday. In fact, most remote workers put in about 10% more hours each week. If you are working remotely, make sure you are making it a benefit by setting a clear end to your workday to shift your focus to family and relaxation. Try working in an area of your home that is separate from your “living” space to set boundaries and make sure you step outside to get some fresh air each day.

Unlimited or Flexible Time Off

Over the last several years, many major companies have started offering unlimited paid time off (PTO) to salaried employees. This can be a great benefit to workers who need to have flexibility to fulfill family duties or want to take vacations. If the job gets done and your manager approves, you can take off the time you need. This policy also benefits employers because there is no obligation to pay accrued time off when a person is terminated. Surprisingly though, employees with unlimited time off take less days off each year than people with a set amount. Because there’s no “use it or lose it” deadline creating urgency to take off days, most workers put off taking time off, and end up not taking off as much as when there was a set policy or time limit to take vacation time. Furthermore, some workers think it demonstrates dedication to not take any time off, or fear taking what may be perceived as too much time off with no clear rules or expectations.

If you are someone with unlimited vacation, make sure you are still taking time to recharge and build memories with your family. A great tip is to take at least the amount of time off that is commensurate with your years of experience, and talk to your boss about their expectations for your time off. Don’t let yourself get sucked into the trap of grinding away without ever taking a break.

Workplace Inclusivity

Creating an inclusive work environment is a great thing! The American economy missed out on a lot of ingenuity when leaders didn’t include or value people with different backgrounds and experiences. We still have a long way to go in this area, which is why a lot of companies are intentional about fostering growth among traditionally under-represented groups. We want to create environments where everyone feels empowered to contribute.

However, for Christians, some “inclusive” environments have become rather exclusive to their sincerely held beliefs. Many young workers are feeling pressure to become actively supportive to lifestyles they can’t agree with due to their faith in Jesus Christ and what the Bible says. Some even feel they cannot advance in their field without compromising in this area. If you are faced with this situation, stand firm in your beliefs and communicate with love. Always be kind and treat others with the respect Jesus would show. Jesus told us to love everyone, no matter what they believe. We don’t have to agree with them, but we can still show love and care towards them.

There were many social injustices even in Jesus’ day. However, Jesus never called anyone to be a revolutionary or social or political activist. He didn’t even seek the abolition of slavery, even though slavery was bad. Instead of in-your-face activism that would just drive people away from Him, He told us to bring about reform by trying to change peoples’ hearts through the love and care we show towards others. So don’t compromise your beliefs, explain your beliefs with gentleness when asked or at the appropriate times, and seek to change peoples’ hearts by the way you treat them and live out your life rather than by arguing about social and political issues. Live your life as an ambassador representing Jesus, and in a way that others will find attractive and want to learn more about your beliefs, rather than looking at us and saying to themselves “Why would I ever want to be like you Christians?”

The American working environment has come a long way over the past decades – and most of the changes are good! But, remember, not every company or leader has their employees’ best interests at heart, or your same values. It’s up to you to ensure the perks you receive are utilized in a way that actually benefit you and protect your own work-life balance, mental health, and integrity. At the same time, we are called to live at peace with others, even those that don’t share our beliefs, and be a vehicle for the light of Christ to shine through in a way that others find attractive.

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone (Romans 12:18). Something to think about given the divisive culture we find ourselves in today.

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