Employers expand benefits to attract, retain workers

Wellness programs are in high demand–over the last year, substantial increases were seen in company-organized fitness competitions, the prevalence of CPR/first aid training and standing desks. (Photo: Shutterstock)

The War for Talent is going to get bloody, and employers who want to come out on top are going to have to expand their arsenal of weapons, er, benefits, that is. In this year’s 2018 Employee Benefits Survey, the Society for Human Resource Management found 60 types of benefit offerings are now prevalent among employers, compared to just 20 last year.

“With unemployment at an 18-year low, employers view benefits as a strategic tool for recruiting and retention,” says Trent Burner, SHRM’s vice president of research. “Strategic organizations adjust their benefits year to year, depending upon their use by employees, cost and effectiveness in helping an organization stand out in the competition for talent.”