I stayed at Apple for nine years. Even companies that hand out as much as 10 percent in annual raises can't match the jackpot winnings of those who work for successful start-ups. Although MetaCreations is not a start-up, Casanova took a pay cut in exchange for a compensation package that will reward him richly if the company does well. I'm banking on the future and helping steer MetaCreations. Yet if the swiftly flowing job market is a boon for individuals and start-ups that are eager to snatch talent, it's tough on established firms.
People jump to growth opportunities.
It's not easy to find people. Successful technology companies must devote more resources to coaxing talented people to join or even stay at their companies. Boards are approving what once would have been staggering packages of benefits and signing bonuses, he said. If talented executives seem tempted to leave when their millions of dollars in stock options vest, companies simply load them up with more options, Christian said. Hagberg said that a growing number of companies are taking a cue from Hewlett-Packard Co. and working hard to build an attractive corporate culture that keeps people loyal.