These benefits certainly can add the wow factor to an employment package, especially in the eyes of an applicant or a new hire. What we find from research is that a lot of people are looking for a more flexible, supportive work environment, one that lets them be themselves, do good work and be acknowledged as an adult. While benefits might not be a dramatic employment-relationship maker or breaker, there has been increased attention paid to benefits packages, by both employees and employers. There's so much more information in the mainstream press such as Fortune's list of 100 Best Companies to Work For. And information is more readily available on the Internet.
Employees can visit virtually any company's Web site to find out what benefits they're offering.
The problem for employers is that the costs of benefits keep rising. Employers can't keep adding on benefits without worrying about costs and return on investment. Because one benefits package will never satisfy everyone, companies need to be vigilant in surveying employees about what they want as a way to solidify the employment relationship. In a world of customer service and niche marketing, it's not surprising that HR would turn the same kind of attention to employees' needs. Technology has also influenced benefits choices.