All of this to keep employees from jumping ship. Perks have become part of the fabric of corporate life. Companies are forced to raise the bar and offer fun elements in their work environments to keep people motivated and happy. Corporate backslapping helps, as long as management actually rewards good work. Most companies realize the extra food and fun isn't enough.
Employees get to spin for bonuses, extra days-off, and other perks.
The weaker economy has forced some companies to gut the goodies. It's easier to bag the bonus bagels and freebies than to lay off workers.