7. Workplace Practices >
7.2 Benefits
More than a Paycheck
The benefits package for Ben & Jerry’s employees changed in significant ways in 2006, as the Company’s benefits were brought into alignment with Unilever’s other business units in North America. Notable changes included: the rollover of Ben & Jerry’s 401 (k) retirement program to Unilever’s program, managed by Fidelity; a new matching formula for employees’ 401 (k) contributions; new health and dental insurance carriers; a new severance pay formula; extended maximum disability payments; and a revised personal time accrual schedule. Ben & Jerry’s still offers some unique benefits over and above Unilever’s package, too.
Altogether, our benefits remain competitive within the industry and represent an important part of our relationship with employees. Here’s a quick view of a few of our favorites:
- generous paid time off
- a 401 (k) plan with a 5% Company match
- a choice of health insurance plans
- dental, health and life insurance
- onsite workout facility at Central Support Office — new for 2006!
- 40 hours of paid time off for community service work (Central Support employees)
- education tuition reimbursement
- three free pints of ice cream per day
- health club membership
- $1,000 hybrid automobile purchase incentive
- a pet-friendly workplace
- DaVinci nap room for re-energizing
- Milky Way room for nursing moms
Benefits Cost
The average cost (to the Company) of benefits per employee in 2006 was $12,667 as compared to $12,043 in 2005. This modest 5% increase was achieved in part by cost savings that resulted from the alignment of Ben & Jerry’s benefits package with the common plan administered through the Unilever Benefits Services Center.
The spiraling cost of health care in the United States continues to be a challenge for people and companies around the country. Ben & Jerry’s is no exception. Mirroring national trends, the health insurance plans offered to Ben & Jerry’s employees were generally more expensive for employees in 2006. However, the health insurance plans offered by Ben & Jerry’s do provide employees a variety of options to fit their needs.