The network analyst scored a free ski weekend for two in nearby Whistler as thanks for working overtime to complete two important projects. And it's great to know your hard work is recognized. Rewarding employees with weekend getaways or dinner with a spouse is not unusual at A.L.I., which provides digital-image network systems to North American hospitals. Managers have the discretion within their operating budgets to dole out ad hoc rewards to employees as thanks for extra effort such as logging long hours, coming up with a great idea or providing extraordinary customer service.
Good help is hard to find and even harder to keep.
That's why companies are going to greater lengths to recruit and retain good employees. This year we've gone to the experts the employees of Canada's Fastest-Growing Companies to find out what they think makes their companies such great places to work. Traditional rewards such as increased life insurance and loans to buy computers are now commonplace. So today, companies entice employees with everything from signing bonuses, stock options, on-site daycare and flexible hours to free pop and bottled water, gourmet coffee, concierge services, office pool tables, pet sitting and elder care. Bells and whistles such as pool tables and cappuccino makers do attract employees, especially younger workers, and some say they help relieve stress, but it's the substantive things that really matter.