A recent study by WorldatWork found telecommuting is on the rise. Forty-two percent of employers offered it in 2008, compared with 30 percent who offered it last year.

Anne Ruddy, president of WorldatWork attributes the rise to rising gas prices, leading-edge technology, and an increased demand for work-life flexibility.

Retention bonuses and stock grant programs also showed increasing popularity; retention bonuses increased over 10 percent since 2004, and stock grant programs grew from 7 percent in 2004 to 20 percent in 2008. Hiring bonuses remain the most popular way for employers to retain employees, holding steady at 70 percent of employers offering this benefit. Employee referral bonuses and salary increases round out the top three most popular retention programs.