More than one-third of all employers expect to add permanent,full-time employees this year the most promising forecast since2006 according to the 2015 CareerBuilder U.S. JobForecast.^*

What does that mean? Hiring top-tier talent will be morecompetitive than it has been in nearly a decade.

“As hiring demands accelerate, employers will need to offer morecompetitive salaries and benefits if they want to hire the mostsought-after candidates and keep their best workers,” said MattFerguson, president and CEO of CareerBuilder.

All other offers being equal, an employee may choose oneemployer over another based largely on the benefits packages offered. Making sureyour company stands out from the crowd is more important than everbefore and can come down to the health care, vacation time,retirement, and additional voluntary benefits you (do or don’t)offer.

Consider alternative benefits to createinterest

Pet insurance. Wellness programs. Legal insurance. What do theseall have in common? They’re unique benefits that can address alarge portion of your employee population – and make you theemployer of choice for top candidates.

Take legal insurance for example. We all know that the world isbecoming increasingly complex from a legal standpoint. I don’t knowabout you, but even thinking about hiring an attorney gives me asudden rush of anxiety. It can be the same for your employees. Theymay be asking, “How do I find a good attorney? How much will itcost? Can I even afford it?” The affordability and ease of accessto legal insurance puts this anxiety to rest. This is sure toresonate with current and prospective employees.

To be an employer of choice in today’s market takes a uniqueapproach – and one that should include unique benefits. By offeringa strong benefits package – one that could include wellness, legalor pet insurance – you can have the competitiveedge you need to attract, engage and retain top talent.