[stevenwu]

I'm OK with these kinds of quirky add-on allowances so long as the category for the add-on is positive, either for you as a person (e.g.: fitness, learning) or the local community (e.g.: paid time off volunteering, charity matching). We'd all be better off if we were a little more involved with our community, a little more active, and eating a little bit healthier, and the most common excuse for not doing these is "I don't have the time/money." If you just give extra cash how can you achieve the same effect in encouraging people to live healthier?

[maxxxxx]

I exercise daily at home. Probably more than most of the people who get the gym paid for.

It's not a big deal but I wouldn't mind some extra cash.

[jedberg]

One company I worked for had a benefit of paying up to $1000/yr for a gym membership OR up to $1000 of gym equipment for your home per year.

[maxxxxx]

I guess I can get a really expensive yoga mat :-)

[fishtoaster]

I dunno, that seems a little parental. To quote the article: "at the end of the day it's a job." I'm not wild about the company trying to influence aspects of my personal life that don't directly affect the company.

[jowiar]

At least in the US, as the company is footing the bill for employee health insurance, the company has incentive to fund assorted employee wellness programs.