Taipei: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), the world's largest contract chipmaker, has for the first time included pet care in its global employee benefit plan. This inclusion is part of the company's Global Flexible Benefit Plan (tFlex), which was launched earlier this year to enhance the benefits offered to employees. The plan aims to provide benefits that go beyond competitive compensation and legal requirements, along with ensuring a safe and healthy working environment.According to Focus Taiwan, TSMC recognizes pets as "important family members in modern society," and thus integrated pet care into its flexible benefit plan. Related expenses account for 1.5 percent of total applications under tFlex. The initiative allows full-time employees to access flexible benefit points equivalent to about US$250 annually, or NT$8,000 in Taiwan, which they can redeem according to their lifestyle preferences.The tFlex program covers four main areas: "medical and insurance" for health protection; "family care," which includes pet care and other family-related expenses; "wellness" for enhancing employee health and wellness activities; and "development and volunteering" to support professional growth and community contributions. By early November, TSMC had received 81,828 tFlex applications, amounting to NT$470 million, with a significant portion directed towards family care (54 percent), followed by medical and insurance (18 percent), wellness (16 percent), and development and volunteering (12 percent).Pet care falls under the family care category, alongside travel expenses, parental care, child education and care, family memberships, and legal consultation. TSMC believes that providing high-quality work and benefits is crucial for attracting and retaining talent. The company emphasizes the importance of considering employee development and needs at various career stages and encourages participation in community service activities.TSMC's workforce is diverse, comprising employees from 48 different countrie s with educational backgrounds ranging from high school to Ph.D. levels. Through tFlex, TSMC aims to empower employees to select benefit plans that align with their individual needs while continuing to explore potential expansions of coverage.