Now that the job market is softening, you don't hear as much about companies trying to recruit and retain workers with fancy perks. But nice extras are still there to be found; you just have to look a little harder. Here are some of the perks I've come across recently:
* At Technology Advancement Group, which develops ruggedized computer hardware, founder John McEwan shares his passion for Corvettes with employees through an unusual perk. Any staffer who leases a new Corvette receives $500 per month toward expenses, according to an article in The Washington Post. So far, a few have taken him on the offer.
* John Putzier, author of " Get Weird!: 101 Innovative Ways to Make Your Company a Great Place to Work, " suggests providing take-home gourmet dinners for staffers and their families.
* Last summer's picnic was no ordinary weenie roast for employees of BORN Information Services in Wayzata, Minn. As TechLink reports (www.techlinks.net/news/L11Sep0095215.cfm), the $1 million event that Rick Born threw for his employees featured entertainment by Eagles singer Glenn Frey and other '70's rock groups, as well as tons of activities for kids.
* Public relations firm Alexander Ogilvy offers employees $2,000 per year in a " Q-Fund. " The money can be used for any product or service that contributes to overall quality of life, such as child day care, housecleaning service, gym membership, or a spa vacation.
* My employer, Network World, offers us access to a concierge service to plan parties, get concert or theatre tickets, and make dinner reservations. The company also offers access to a personal trainer and massage therapist on-site, and best of all, I get to telecommute two days per week.
RELATED LINKS
Amy Schurr is an editor for Network World's Management Strategies and Features sections. If you have any career topics you'd like her to cover or want to comment on this newsletter, you can reach her at aschurr@nww.com.
Careers index
Past newsletters.
Network World, 07/31/00
Perks for your people
Network World Management Strategies Newsletter, 04/30/01
Piling on the extras
Network World Career Newsletter, 12/06/00
Staffing tactics
Network World, 10/23/00
BORN may have formula for retention
Extreme interview
Network World, 06/25/01
