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Employee assistance programs, gym memberships, mindfulness coaching sessions…
Workplace wellbeing programs have come in all shapes and sizes in recent years, as employers mull over the right blend of perks and support to keep staff on top of their physical, mental, and financial health.
But at Deloitte US, a new and perhaps unexpected benefit has been introduced to help staff cope with stresses ranging from global political turmoil to the swelling impact of AI on the workplace.
Enter stage left: Lego.
Yes, you read that right. The legendary plastic bricks that have been used to create astonishing replicas of world-famous landmarks; to inspire video games, TV series, and four movies; and to build millions of models by passionate hobbyists across the globe. You know, the ones that feel like a dagger in the heel when you accidentally tread on them in the middle of the night.
Lego and puzzles: What is Deloitte’s $1,000 wellbeing perk?
The bricks now appear on the list of approved items for Deloitte’s employee wellbeing stipend in the US, after the consulting giant expanded its list earlier in June.
According to a report from Business Insider, the Big Four company offers staff a benefit under which it will reimburse up to $1,000 of spending on wellbeing products, provided they are on an approved list.
After doubling an initial stipend of $500 in 2021, Deloitte recently expanded the list of eligible items and services (such as subscriptions or experiences) to include “Legos and puzzles.”
BI cited internal policy documents, in which Deloitte states the $1,000 fund can help “empower and support your journey toward thriving mentally, physically, and financially and living your purpose.”
The documents stipulate the perk is only available to (most) partners and salaried staff, while interns and contracted staff, as well as staff on a long-term leave of absence, are not eligible.
Employees can also claim back reimbursement on fitness classes such as fencing, gym equipment, office furniture, financial support apps, and even gaming consoles like the PlayStation and the Nintendo Switch.
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‘A huge difference’ - Deloitte staff react to wellbeing perk expansion
Deloitte employees are generally pretty happy with the expansion, BI’s report said.
One employee acknowledged positive internal discussions about the expanded perk have taken place on the company’s messaging platform.
“Most of the responses are things like 'Lego?!?!? Finally!' or jokes about how they can now rationalize buying the coveted Millennium Falcon Star Wars Lego set,” they noted.
But with Lego’s most expensive sets – such as the Statue of Liberty, The Simpsons’ Krusty Burger, or the aforementioned Millennium Falcon – costing hundreds of dollars, there are other options on the table for Deloitte staff.
The list has been expanded significantly, with a ‘what’s new for FY26’ section including additions such as spa services (facials, body treatment), kitchen appliances (blenders, refrigerators), and other equipment (personal cooling fans, ergonomic pillows).
“This makes a huge difference!” another Deloitte employee said, speaking about the subsidy as a whole. “I personally like to think of what I need/want for the next subsidy. I have been able to upgrade my workspace, and it helps with the work intake.”
“Knocking out a four-hour Lego build in under two hours is a great stress reliever,” they added.
However, not all staff were as positive. Another worker told BI that the scheme was only needed “because of how much this job sucks.”
