Author: Austin
Kipliner
Dear Client: Washington,
July 2, 1998
Getting and Keeping
good workers is a challenge
for business... a priority many of you tell us about when we
meet and when we do surveys.
Here are some suggestions...ideas we've gleaned from many
of you an from employee benefit specialists working with a tight
labor market.
Retirement and
health programs are a must
for most workers. Now even companies with 25 employees can offer
401(k) pension plans. Computer programs have made them much easier
and cheaper to administrate.
But these benefits aren't enough to make you stand above
rivals competing for employees, who are more and more willing
to shop around.
Nowadays, employees want "lifestyle" benefits...help
for workers in striking a better balance between job demands
and personal lives.
Start by sizing
up your workforce to
focus on primary concerns. Middle-aged workers worry about caring
for their kids and aging parents. Younger workers put a premium
on having a pleasant work environment. Downtown workers might
want parking, those in the suburbs, food service.
More scheduling
variations are found,
even within the same firm. Include flextime, compressed workweeks,
job sharing and telecommuting. A Des Moines publisher lets its
employees set up their own schedules as long as they work during
company "core" hours...10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Some companies let workers opt for more paid leave in
exchange for trimming other benefits, such as smaller life insurance
policies.
Extra vacation days but no sick leave. Stops abuse of
sick leave and tends to reward conscientious workers at no net
cost to the employer.
Employer help with
child-care arrangements...becoming
widespread. Some large employers have day-care centers. Smaller
firms often help by offering emergency backup care or assistance
in lining up providers.
Elder care is a growing concern as baby boomers' parents
age. They're getting employers to offer optional long-term-care
insurance.
Companies that can afford to are offering further benefits...fitness
center, dry cleaning, group discounts on goods and services.
There are low-cost options too...don't have to be a big company.
N.C. business arranges for school counselors to meet with parents at the firm.
Helps parents deal with school issues and saves them time.
Philadelphia firms hosts local chefs for lunch-hour cooking demos. Employees pay
a small fee to cover ingredients, chef gets free publicity.
Oregon utility surprises workers with small "appreciation" gifts.
Morris Plains, N.J., firm promotes volunteerism...helps workers find community projects
that interest them and encourages participation
Education &
training programs build loyalty,
boost productivity. Increasingly popular options include community
college classes on site.
