The fruit basket in the employee kitchen is a well-known benefit. But a new analysis by the Index Group shows that he is no longer that popular in job advertisements. Only 0.3 percent of all job offers mentioned it in May 2026. An unsurprising development and some job seekers will breathe a sigh of relief. Because they are likely to be quite frustrated if, during the laborious job search, they also have to sort out those advertisements that advertise benefits that are long past their peak. Nothing says “we’re not keeping up with the times” more clearly than mentioning a few bananas and apples on LinkedIn.
Is the fruit basket already an expected standard?
In view of the results of the study, experts assume that companies can no longer score points with job seekers with the fruit basket because they already see the vitamin benefit as standard. They’re not entirely wrong about that. But on the other hand, isn’t it also a disgrace that something like this was ever considered a benefit? As if a little fruit could actually improve the well-being of employees.
It may have been well-intentioned as a light way to support the health of employees. But the actual effect is as helpful as a consolation. You actually would have needed the job ticket or picked up the children from school on time, but at least the apple at work is free.
Especially these days, a fruit basket no longer meets the demands of everyday work as an incentive or possible compensation. Economic developments and new models of lifestyle increasingly require work to be adapted to private life. Job seekers, on the other hand, are less likely to voluntarily align their lives with the new job or commit to a company if they feel that there is a lack of visible appreciation and support.
Various studies show what is important to employees in their job: further training opportunities, work-life balance, home office, appreciation, for example. It’s hardly surprising that – no matter where you look – the mobility allowance and flexible work arrangements are at the top of the top 10 employee benefits.
And even if 0.3 percent sounds like little at first glance, there are still 4,400 publicly advertised positions whose advertisers have not yet recognized the signs of the times.
Tonia Schöler is a volunteer at Human Resources.
