At SurveyMonkey, we’ve embraced remote work and the hybrid work environment, and so it is only fitting that we’ve expanded our benefits to reflect that. That’s the idea behind the C.H.O.I.C.E. (Connection, Health, Office, Invest, Career, and Education) fund.
In addition to being a fun acronym, the C.H.O.I.C.E. fund is a dedicated budget that every employee gets to use toward work, health, wellbeing, or self-improvement. We believe that it is the perfect way to offer a benefit that is 100% customizable to every employee’s individual’s needs and gives them the opportunity to make decisions for themselves. Lifestyle spending accounts like the C.H.O.I.C.E.. fund are increasingly popular in the tech space, and for good reason; giving employees greater flexibility means that everyone benefits.
Our benefits manager, Julie Fernandez, said: “We are excited to offer something that is so perfectly in line with our vision of the future of work at SurveyMonkey and the changing employee experience post-pandemic.”
Here are some of the ways that employees can use the benefit:
- Connection: Caregiving for children or aging family members
- Health: Gym equipment, meditation, pilates class, new hiking shoes
- Office: New chair, internet, earbuds, standing desk
- Invest: Tax prep services, financial planning
- Career: Conferences, classes, certifications
- Education: Student loan repayment, child education
Some other fun, real-life use cases:
- Pottery, painting, and improv
- Marathon registration
- Duolingo subscription
- Plants
- Lift ticket to ski
- Roller skates
- Pilates
- Travel (hotel & flight)
- A Switch for gaming
- Self care (hair, nails, massage)
- Under the desk treadmill
And here’s what employees have to say about it.
“I am finding the C.H.O.I.C.E. Fund very flexible, and the web interface is easy to use. So far, I have bought a bicycle and a larger computer monitor. Given the way that different employees will be at different places with their health, fitness, remote working needs, family, and lifestyle, I think it is awesome that you can spend the money on a range of things, from fitness equipment to eating out to office equipment. I haven’t yet planned what else I am going to buy, but browsing the list of what I could buy is helpful and fun!”
Yvonee Aburrow, Senior Software Engineer I, Growth Engineering
“The C.H.O.I.C.E. fund is a great perk that helps me explore my interests. I love the debit cards (physical and virtual). Nothing comes out of my bank account when I buy stuff, and I don't have to wait for reimbursement! I've been wanting to get more exercise, so I bought some roller skates and have been skating for a couple of months. Looking ahead, I'm into making videos and doing photography—I might buy a video drone next quarter”
Nick Lieurance, UX Content Strategist lI • Product Design & Research
“I love the flexibility that the C.H.O.I.C.E. fund offers. It is one of the best benefits we have – certainly in my top three! I mention it to basically anyone that will listen. It’s been a huge help for me this year–especially for my health, wellbeing, and professional development. I’m so appreciative of the flexibility it provides. I have used this fund for so many different things! I have used it to pay for professional development by hiring an executive coach for 1:1 coaching sessions, as well as attending ad hoc workshops on topics I’m excited to learn more about. I’ve also used it to purchase fitness equipment and home office supplies. The best home office supply I used it for is an AMAZING new desk chair from Branch–something I don’t think I would’ve been able to splurge on without the help of the C.H.O.I.C.E. fund and an investment that I know is supporting my long-term health and wellness. I’m working on an office refresh in my basement space, and I know the C.H.O.I.C.E. fund is going to come in handy towards creating a cozy and comfortable home office set-up that supports creativity and wellbeing.”
