Deloitte's well-being subsidy program for employees in the US has a new addition, one of the most expensive 

Deloitte is letting its US employees spend part of their annual wellness subsidy on Lego sets, puzzles, and other stress-relieving items. According to a Business Insider, the action is part of a revamped effort by the company to support worker well-being. 

According to internal policy documents seen by the publication, the Big Four consulting firm updated its long-running benefits program at the start of its financial year on June 1. The program gives most salaried employees up to $1,000 annually to spend on approved items that promote mental, physical, or financial wellness, the report says. Legos, along with puzzles, kitchen appliances, spa services, gaming consoles, and ergonomic pillows, are among the new additions.

Deloitte US had 172,800 employees in 2024. As per the report, employees have welcomed the change. A Deloitte employee said that the update sparked jokes and excitement on internal chats. “Most of the responses are things like ‘Lego?!?!? Finally!’ or jokes about how they can now rationalise buying the coveted Millennium Falcon Star Wars Lego set,” they said. The $850 set leaves a small remainder of the subsidy for other qualifying purchases.

Another employee said that the benefit helps manage the intense pace of work: “Knocking out a four-hour Lego build in under two hours is a great stress reliever.”

However, not all employees are happy with it. Some Deloitte employees remain skeptical. One staffer told BI the perk exists “because of how much this job sucks.”

Source : https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/tech-news/deloittes-well-being-subsidy-program-for-employees-in-the-us-has-a-new-addition-one-of-the-most-expensive-/articleshow/121781038.cms

Comprehension

What can Deloitte employees now buy with part of their wellness subsidy?
How much is the annual wellness subsidy given to most salaried employees?
When was the updated benefits program introduced?
What types of items are included in the new list of approved purchases?
How did some employees react to the change in internal chats?
Why did one employee mention the Millennium Falcon Lego set?
How does one employee use Lego building to manage stress?
Why are some employees still unhappy about the benefit?

Discussion

What do you think about a company giving money for wellness-related purchases?
Would you enjoy building Legos or doing puzzles to relieve stress? Why or why not?
If you had $1,000 to spend on wellness, what would you buy?
Do you think toys like Lego can really help with mental health?
What are some good ways for companies to support employee well-being?
Do you think this benefit would be helpful in your country?
Why do you think some employees are still not happy with this program?
Have you ever felt stressed at work or school? What helps you feel better?
Would you prefer cash or wellness-specific benefits from your job? Why?
What’s your opinion on work-life balance? Is it important?

Vocabulary

Wellness – the state of being healthy in body and mind
Subsidy – money given to help pay for something
Stress-relieving – helping to reduce stress or tension
Revamped – improved or updated
Internal – inside an organization or company
Eligible – allowed or qualified to receive something
Ergonomic – designed to be comfortable and reduce physical strain
Skeptical – not fully believing something; having doubts