Tech startup, Cluely is turning heads with its latest employee perk: a $500 bonus for successfully referring a date for a colleague. The new “refer-a-date” policy, introduced by the company’s CEO, is making waves, and it’s already getting plenty of attention across social media.
Under the scheme, if an employee refers a date that another colleague is happy with, the referring employee is rewarded with a one-time bonus of $500. And if the same employee successfully refers multiple dates, they can rack up additional bonuses, making the reward stackable. For example, if one employee refers dates for two different colleagues, they could earn up to $1,000.
, a San Francisco-based company, is known for its bold and often cheeky approach to business, and this new perk fits perfectly into its culture. With a history of promoting nontraditional workplace philosophies, including a “cheat on everything” mindset that encourages employees to break away from outdated practices, Cluely has earned a reputation for being unconventional.
However, the new policy has sparked mixed reactions. While some found the idea amusing and fitting for a startup in Silicon Valley, others raised concerns about the potential HR implications. Some questioned whether the company’s People Ops team had endorsed the policy, and if it would lead to any workplace complications.
Regardless of the controversy, Cluely’s new bonus has generated a great deal of buzz. Whether it leads to more office romances or presents challenges for HR remains to be seen, but it’s clear that the company has set a new standard for unconventional corporate perks.

