Abstract:
A method and system are disclosed for providing employees with amenities administered by an employer organization. The method and system include providing a quantity of perk credits to a user having a unique user id, presenting several perks to the user, where each of the plurality of perks is associated with a fee, receiving one or more perk selections from the user, where each of the one or more perk selections includes at least one perk from the plurality of perks, combining the fees associated with the one or more perk selections to determine a selected perk fee, and storing the one or more perk selections with the unique user id if the selected perk fee does not exceed the quantity of perk credits provided to the user.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    None. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    A common priority for employers concerns recruiting and retaining key employees. One reason for this is that the time and expense associated with training and recruiting key employees frequently involves a considerable investment on the part of the employer. Accordingly, it is necessary for a company to retain employees in order for an employer to realize the benefits of employee investment. In some cases, a company will lose money every time an employee leaves the company. 
         [0003]    One approach employers have taken in order to retain employees is to offer “amenities/perks” to employees. The goal of an amenities program is to ensure an employer retains quality employees/associates by offering benefits and services that are of value to the employee/associate. One of skill in the art will appreciate that there is an important distinction between a perks and qualified benefits. A “perk” is commonly understood to mean a benefit given to an employee in addition to a salary. On the other hand, examples of qualified benefits include health care, vision and dental care, group-term life insurance, disability, and adoption assistance. 
         [0004]    It will be appreciated that in addition to a company&#39;s primary motivation (to attract and retain employees) there are a number of additional reasons for companies to offer employee perks. While one reason that, companies provide perks is to motivate employees and encourage loyalty to the company. Other reasons for company perks include enhancement of a company&#39;s corporate image as offering perks demonstrate that a company is generous and/or employee focused. Additionally, some companies provide perks as a performance based reward system in an effort to provide incentives for employee efforts. 
         [0005]    Simply providing perks to employees is not enough to ensure high levels of employee retention* The kinds of perks that are offered by the employer and how perks are distributed send a message to existing and potential employees about the values of a company, it will be appreciated that: the time and monetary expense associated with a perks program represents yet another company investment in its employees. 
         [0006]    Administration of an amenities program is often labor intensive. For example, many companies record employee amenity selections on paper forms which are later manually entered into a word processing document or spreadsheet. The resources dedicated by employers to paper form based systems are non-trivial. Paper form based systems are error prone due to data entry errors that occur while transcribing information from paper forms into an electronic document. Additionally, paper forms do not provide any way for an employee&#39;s amenity selections to he validated prior to submission of the form. 
         [0007]    Naturally, employers offer perks programs in hopes of realizing some rate of return. Unfortunately, a paper based amenities program can make it difficult for an employer to monitor the program. In some cases, the expenses associated with providing perks are not even captured. Reporting on a paper based program can also he labor intensive. Accordingly, it may be difficult for an employer to get frequent or timely reports about certain aspects of the program or the overall status of the program in general. This tends to make it difficult for an employer to frequently and/or accurately determine whether or not the perks being offered are actually being used by employees, much less whether or not the company is receiving an acceptable rate of return its investment in the perks program. 
         [0008]    Paper based systems are also susceptible to allowing invalid user selections which often require manual correction prior being processed. Another drawback is that administration of some systems is inefficient due to duplication of effort in paper form systems. The above mentioned issues may be especially challenging for a company with a single location and even more so for a national company with offices and employees based in several locations across the country. 
         [0009]    Accordingly, in view of the above, mentioned problems present in existing perks/amenities programs, an improved perks program is needed. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    There is, therefore, provided in the practice of the invention a method for providing employees with amenities administered by an employer organization, including the steps of issuing a quantity of perk credits to a user where the user has a unique user id, presenting the user with a several perks, where each of the perks has an associated credit value, receiving one of more perk selections from the user where the one or more perk selections have a combined credit value, verifying that the combined credit value of the one or more perk selections does not exceed the quantity of perk credits issued to the user, associating the one or more perk selections with the unique user id, deducting the combined credit value from the quantity of perk credits and associating any remaining quantity of perk credits with the unique user id and storing the remaining quantity of perk credits and the one or more perk selections with the unique user id. There is also provided, the above mentioned method where the step of verifying the combined credit value of the one or more perk selections does not exceed the quantity of perk credits issued to the user further includes verifying that the user has made any required perk selections. 
         [0011]    In accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention, provided in the practice of the invention is a method for providing employees with amenities administered by an employer organization. The method of this embodiment includes the steps of; providing a quantity of perk credits to a user having a unique user id, presenting several perks to the user, where each of the plurality of perks is associated with a fee, receiving one or more perk selections from the user, where each of the one or more perk selections includes at least one perk from the plurality of perks, calculating a selected perk fee by combining the fees associated with the one or more perks, verifying the selected perk fee does not exceed the quantity of perk credits provided to the user, associating the one or more perk selections with the unique user id, and storing the one or more perk selections with the unique user id. There is further provided in the practice of the invention, the above mentioned method where the step of verifying the selected perk fee does not exceed the quantity of perk credits provided to the user further includes verifying the one or more perk selections include all required perk selections. 
         [0012]    In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, is a method for providing employees with amenities administered by an employer organization, including the steps of: providing a quantity of perk credits to a user having a unique user id, presenting several perks to the user, where each of the plurality of perks is associated with a fee, receiving one or more perk selections from the user, where each of the one or more perk selections includes at least one perk from the plurality of perks, combining the fees associated with the one or more perk selections to determine a selected perk fee, and storing the one or more perk selections with the unique user id if the selected perk fee does not exceed the quantity of perk credits provided to the user. 
         [0013]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention is a method for providing employees with amenities administered by an employer; organization, which includes the steps of: providing a quantity of perk credits to a user having a unique user id, presenting several perks to the user, each of the plurality of perks is associated with a fee, and where at least one of the several perks is required, receiving one or more perk selections from the user, where each of the one or more perk selections includes at least one perk from the plurality of perks, combining the fees associated with the one or more perk selections to determine a selected perk fee, and storing the one or more perk selections with the unique user id, if the selected perk fee does not exceed the quantity of perk credits and at least one of the one or more perk selections includes the required perk. 
         [0014]    In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a method for providing employees with amenities is administered by an employer organization, and includes the steps of: providing a quantity of perk credits to a user, wherein the user has a unique user id and a user work location, displaying a list of relevant perks to the user, wherein each of the relevant perks is available at the user work location, receiving one or more perk selections from the user, wherein each of the one or more perk selections includes at least one perk from the list of relevant perks, combining any fees associated with each of the one or more perk selections to determine a selected perk fee, and storing the one or more perk selections with the unique user id if the selected perk fee does not exceed the quantity of perk credits. 
         [0015]    Certain embodiments and aspects of the invention are outlined above in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contributions to the art may be better appreciated. In this respect, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of embodiments in addition to those described and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
         [0016]    As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Though some features of the invention may be claimed in dependency, each feature has merit when used independently. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         [0017]    Further features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present invention, relates from reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which; 
           [0018]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating a functional implementation of a system for allocation of perks according to an embodiment of the inventive method and system. 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram showing several exemplary perk options presented to users according to an embodiment of the inventive method and system. 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram showing several exemplary perk options presented to users in an alternative format according to an embodiment of the inventive method and system. 
           [0021]      FIGS. 4A  &amp; B shows a form interface for user selection of perk options according to an embodiment of the inventive method and system. 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  shows an Interface for presenting perk options to users in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive system and method. 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  shows a browser-based selection summary interface in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive system and method. 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  shows a confirmation screen showing a list of perk options that have been selected in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive system and method. 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  shows an email confirmation message in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive system and method. 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  shows a perk usage interface with historical and pending status indicators in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive system and method. 
           [0027]      FIG. 10  shows an exemplary data record for storage and reporting user selected perk options in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive system and method. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0028]    The invention will now be described with reference to the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. For purposes of clarity in illustrating the characteristics of the present invention, proportional relationships of the elements have not necessarily been maintained in the Figures. 
         [0029]      FIG. 1  illustrates an overview of the operation of a system  100  for providing user selectable perks according to an embodiment of the inventive method and system. In block  110 , a user is provided with one or more perk options for section. In block  112 , the user makes one or more perk selections. In block  114 , the user&#39;s perk selections are validated then stored by the system. It will be appreciated the user may be an employee and/or associate of the company/employer. 
         [0030]    The user&#39;s perk selections are reported to a processing module  116  and processed according to perk group type  118 . Each perk group  118  is associated with a key contact  120  for fulfillment of the user&#39;s perk selection by performing one or more actions ( 122  &amp;  124 ). Examples of key contact  120  may include a department within the sponsoring company or an external vendor. 
         [0031]    By way of example, a user selected “preferred” parking perk is reported to processing module  116 . The processing module  116  determines that the “preferred” parking perk belongs to the parking perk group  118 A. Next notification is sent to the key contact  120  that is associated with the parking perk group  118 A. In this case, the facilities key contact  120 A is contacted to perform the assign parking  122 A and distribute sticker  124 A actions. 
         [0032]    Turning to  FIG. 2 , shown are several exemplary perk options depicted in a format that may be presented to users according to an embodiment of the inventive method and system. Multiple perk options  200  are illustrated. As shown, each perk option  210  includes a perk title  212  and an associated credit cost  214 . Perk option  210 A for an “upgraded desk chair”  212 A has a credit cost of 20 tokens  214 A. Credit cost  214  maybe expressed in any format provided that a user is allocated credits in the same or compatible format. 
         [0033]    Some perk options  210  include additional information such as a stated cash value  216  and any applicable restrictions  218 . For example, perk option  210 B entitled “Reimbursement for Health Club”  212 B is available for user selection at credit cost of 70 tokens  214 B. Perk option  210 B has a $500 annual cash value for up to $500 annual reimbursement for health club fees. It will also be noted that perk option  210 B includes an individual only restriction  218 B. 
         [0034]    Given that it is desirable to present users with relevant perk options, it will be appreciated by one of skill in the art some embodiments of the inventive method and system may associate perk options with additional information (not made visible to the user) and that this additional information can be used ensure that a user is only presented with perk options that are relevant and available to that user. For example, according to one embodiment of the invention, each perk option is associated with a “location id.” The “location id” is used limit the perk options that are presented to the user so that only perk options that are relevant and available to that user, by presenting a perk option to a user only if the user id is associated with a “work location id” that matches the “location id” associated with the perk option. This way, a DC based employee will be presented with perk options that are relevant and available to that user (such as pre-tax reimbursement for the metro subway) and not presented with a perk option for a discount membership at fitness center located near the company headquarters in Kansas City. 
         [0035]    Turning now to  FIG. 3 , a system  300  featuring groups of perk options with various levels of participation is depicted In block form. As shown, system  300  Includes several groups of perk options  302 A,  302 B, and  302 C. Each group of perk options  302 A includes a first instruction  304 A which indicates whether or not it is mandatory for a user to make a selection from among the perk options  310  of group  302 A. Each group of perk options  302 A further includes a second instruction  306 A to provide a user with additional information. For group  302 A, instructions  304 A and  306 A inform a user that a selection of one of tire perk options  310  in the group  302 A Is required. As was described with reference to  FIG. 2 , each perk option  310  includes a title  312  and a credit cost  314 . 
         [0036]      FIGS. 4A  &amp; B show a form interface for user selection of perk options according to an embodiment of the inventive method and system. Form  400  includes general user instructions and groups of perk options  402  where each perk option in the group  402  represents a different level of participation. In “Preferred Parking” group  402 , instruction  404  instructs the user that a selection is required. Second instruction  406  indicates that the user must choose one of the perk options  410  in the “Preferred Parking” group of perk options  402 . As was described with respect to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , each perk option  410  includes a title  412  and a credit cost  414 . 
         [0037]    According to another embodiment of the present invention, the system shows “Preferred Parking” perk options where the “Preferred Parking” location id matches the location id of the user. In  FIG. 4A , perk options  410  include a tax status indicator  420 . For example, the tax status indicator  420  indicates that perk option  410  entitled “Wellpower Program” is a taxable benefit. On the other hand, the tax status indicator  420  indicates that the perk option  410  entitled “Upgraded Desk Chair” is not a taxable benefit. 
         [0038]    Turning to  FIG. 4B , form  400  includes a used points total  430  which provides the user with a running total credit cost for the perk options the user has selected. Button  440  is used to send a user&#39;s selected perk options for storage in a data repository. 
         [0039]    One of skill in the art will appreciate that it may be desirable to perform validation of user selections and that validation of user selections may be implemented in a browser based form. User selection validation parameters may ensure check that the combined price of user selected perks does not exceed a user&#39;s allotted perk credits. When one or more perks selections are mandatory or required, it is desirable to perform the step or validating a user&#39;s perk selections to ensure that a user has made all mandatory/required perk selections, 
         [0040]      FIG. 5  shows an interface for presenting perk options to users in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive system and method. System  500  includes a browser  510  used to access an online system for presenting perk options to a user which includes a web page interface  512 . Web page interlace  512  includes one or more system navigation links  514  and perk option navigation items  516 . As shown, the “Blockbucks” perk navigation item  516  has been selected and selection thumbnails  518  are displayed on the web page interface in a location that is left of the perk option navigation items  516 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 6  shows a browser-based selection summary interface in accordance with art embodiment of the inventive system and method. Browser  600  shows a browser  610  displaying a selection summary interface  612 . It will be appreciated by one of skill in the art that selection summary interface  612  concept will likely be familiar to the user as it is analogous to a shopping cart commonly used by online retailers. Selection summary interface  612  includes one or more system navigation links  614 . Features of the summary include the title  620  of one of more perk options selected by the user. Additional perk option information is also shown including the associated credit cost  622 , perk option id number  624 , quantity of selected perk options  626 , line item subtotal  628 , and total credit cost for all selected perk options  630 . Finally, checkout button  632  stores and sends the user&#39;s selected perk options for fulfillment. 
         [0042]    As previously mentioned it may be desirable to perform one or more types of validation prior storage and reporting a user&#39;s selected perk options for fulfillment. One of skill in the art will appreciate that basic browser form validation may be implemented and carried out on a client machine. Form validation parameters may verify that the combined cost for all user selected perks does not exceed a user&#39;s allotted perk credits. When one or more perks selections are mandatory or required, it is desirable to perform the step or validating a user&#39;s perk selections to ensure that a user has made all mandatory/required perk selections. 
         [0043]      FIG. 7  shows a confirmation screen showing a list of perk options that have been selected in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive system and method. Item  700  shows a confirmation statement. Features of the confirmation statement  700  include the title of one of more perk options selected by the user the associated credit cost  722 , perk option id number, quantity of selected perk options, line item subtotal  728 , and total credit cost for all selected perk options  730 . Finally, an order reference number  734  is provided. 
         [0044]      FIG. 8  shows an email confirmation, message in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive system and method. Item  800  shows an email confirmation message. An email confirmation message is sent to the user via a user provided email address. All features of the confirmation statement of  FIG. 7  are also present in email confirmation message  800 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 9  shows a perk usage interface with historical and pending status indicators in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive system and method. 
         [0046]      FIG. 10  shows an exemplary data record for storage and reporting user selected perk options in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive system and method. 
         [0047]    It will be appreciated that the terms perks and amenities are generally understood to be synonymous. It will further be appreciated that as described herein, the terms employee and associate have been used interchangeably. 
         [0048]    One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that processes in accordance with the teachings of the present invention are capable of being performed and distributed in the form of a computer readable medium of instructions and a variety of forms and that the present invention applies equally regardless of the particular type of signal bearing media actually used to carry out the distribution. 
         [0049]    The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the detailed specification, and thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and variations will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.