Tech jobs in 2025 are becoming harder to find, especially with the increasing number of job seekers and fewer available positions. Large-scale industry layoffs and a rising pool of applicants have made the job market more competitive. Employers, on the other hand, are feeling less pressure to attract new hires.

This shift is reflected in changes to workplace perks. In recent years, many companies have moved away from offering hefty sign-on bonuses, approving remote work only when it’s needed, and providing lavish perks like gourmet meals or on-site massage services. Instead, employers, particularly those in startups, are refocusing their benefits on maintaining morale while managing costs.

“Everyone’s very cost-conscious,” said Jaclyn Chen, CEO and co-founder of Benepass, a company that helps businesses set up perks and benefits. According to Chen, more companies are focusing on benefits related to fertility, dependent care, and individually chosen perks. However, perks that are underused, like gym memberships, are being cut. With the rise of hybrid work, on-site events and lavish meal offerings are also being reduced in favor of more budget-friendly options.

The Changing Landscape of Tech Jobs

This shift contrasts with the “more-is-better” approach seen a few years ago when startup funding was at an all-time high. Back then, startups offered competitive salaries, flexible work schedules, remote options, extensive paid time off, and perks like gym memberships and dependent care subsidies to attract talent. Startups were competing not only with each other but also with tech giants like Google and Meta, known for their luxurious perks.

Today, however, the risk of employees leaving for a bigger paycheck and more perks is much lower. Job hunting now takes longer, and tech sector employment has been trending downward, according to analysis from IT certifications provider CompTIA.

Still, perks are crucial for companies that want to keep their current employees engaged and prevent burnout. At growing startups, HR departments are working to meet the needs of employees at various stages of life, from recent graduates seeking mentorship to older employees balancing family life and work.

Flexible Benefits Are on the Rise

To balance employee satisfaction with cost control, many startups are offering flexible perks. For example, lifestyle spending accounts let employees choose how to allocate a fixed amount for things like gym memberships, home-office expenses, and even pet care.

While parental leave remains a standard benefit, fertility benefits are also becoming more common. These perks can cover IVF treatments, fertility consultations, and adoption expenses, tailored to meet employees’ specific needs.

Another area of growth is commuting benefits. While remote and hybrid work continue to be popular, some employers are encouraging employees to return to the office by offering benefits that help offset commuting costs.

Where Talent is in High Demand, Benefits Follow

Some well-funded startups are still offering generous salary and benefits packages, especially in fields where specialized skills are in high demand, such as AI. Companies like OpenAI are offering perks like unlimited flexible time off, daily meals, coaching sessions, and comprehensive medical and family leave benefits. CoreWeave provides full coverage for medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with childcare and mental wellness support.

Startups like CoreWeave and Anthropic, along with other unicorns, also offer fertility benefits through Carrot Health, a health services startup. Other popular benefits offered by top startups include mental wellness services from Spring Health and childcare assistance from Kinside.

A Cycle of Changing Perks

Much like economic cycles, the level of perks companies offer tends to rise and fall. Currently, with the job market cooling down from the peak of startup hiring, we are in a period of retreat regarding perks. However, history shows that as the market picks up again, the perks and benefits offered to employees will become more enticing once more.

In conclusion, tech jobs in 2025 are evolving. Companies are focusing on flexible, cost-conscious benefits rather than lavish perks, offering employees more control over their choices while maintaining morale and productivity. As the market adapts, expect a future resurgence in employee perks as the competition for talent heats up again.