From offering transgender health benefits to educational assistance programs, employers are expanding and strengthening their employee benefits with hopes to recruit the best employees.
“Recruiting difficulty has continued to increase over the last five years, and competition for talent is high. To attract and retain top talent, organizations must leverage the benefits package they offer to their employees,” according to the 2017 survey conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management.
Job seekers will see more enhanced employee benefit packages offered due to a demand for the most qualified employees.
1/3 of organizations increased their overall benefit offering in the last 12 months, according to the Society for Human Resource Management survey.
A number of employers are including transgender inclusive benefitsin their health coverage packages.
To enhance the employee at-work experience, employers are offering perks such as coffee service, holiday gifts, and pets at work.
Educational assistance has also gained popularity.
About 83% of organizations offer some sort of educational assistance or tuition reimbursement benefit to their employees,” according to the 2015 surveyconducted by the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans.
Companies such as Chipotle, AT&T, Verizon, Disney, Walmart, Best Buy and more have joined in on the trend.
“A lot of people underestimate Chipotle,” said James Salas, Chipotle General Manager. “People think Chipotle is just some fast food restaurant.”
Employees can receive up to $5,250 from Chipotle and $5,920 in federal financial aid. Spouses, partners, and children of Chipotle employees can also receive up to $5,815 in federal financial aid. Along with receiving money, employees can receive up to 44 credit hours from management training and registration, mandatory fees, books and class supplies reimbursement.
“As long as the employees are helping us, we want to make sure that we are helping them,” said Salas.
Maya Bulger 