Technology firms are notorious for some of the perks they offer to retain employees. Google is perhaps the most notorious giver of perks with gourmet lunches and swimming spas to keep its working masses happy.

Google has found more recently that its perks can’t keep some of its most important people from leaving. Microsoft is another of the big firms that offers perks that many employees have now taken for granted. With the tough global economy, Microsoft has been shedding employees as it shores up its finances to weather the economic storm.

BusinessInsider reports that one of the benefits that Microsoft employees have enjoyed over the years is being dropped. Microsoft has implemented a new policy that will no longer pay for employees’ mobile phones and data plans, even when used extensively for work, if the mobile phone runs on anything other than Windows Mobile.

That means that Microsoft workers that previously had their BlackBerry or iPhone plans covered will now have to pay on their own. Some Microsoft-owned firms will continue to get other devices paid for though. Razorfish (an advertising agency owned by Microsoft) employees will reportedly still get data plans paid for on any device.

BusinessInsider reports that a Microsoft rep has confirmed the change and said, "[Reimbursement] is limited to Windows Mobile devices. This policy took effect as part of the broader cost saving measures announced earlier this year."