There are valid concerns about what these extravagant offerings will do to our economy over time, not to mention workers' future expectations for compensation. Let's face it, corporate America isn't major league sports. From the employees' perspective, money certainly gets their attention, but it's not always the deciding factor in accepting a job offer or staying with a current employer. Job seekers look for companies that believe in their employees and treat them well, foster a pleasant, supportive working environment, and invest in their employees by providing opportunities for learning and advancement. A key strategy of any company should be to offer employee training.
Management often fears that educated employees become more valuable to other companies.
This is a valid concern. However, skilled employees also are more valuable to their current employer. Job training is always important, but it's especially so in today's employment climate. Not only does it give companies a leg up on their competitors without training programs, but it affords the opportunity to gain an otherwise ideal candidate. Also, companies that invest in training experience a lower employee turnover rate.