Employers Offer Bonuses, Parties and Other Perks

Most companies will be giving holiday bonuses this year, according to a recent survey from Accounting Principals. And employees can increase their chance for getting some bonus "cheer" by staying motivated and conveying a positive attitude. (It also doesn't hurt to volunteer for extra duties, and to slip in a gentle reminder to the boss about the positive contributions you've made to the company.) In addition to bonuses, employers are also giving a variety of extras to reward staffers, including holiday parties, gift cards and even time off. "In today's candidate-driven job market, we find that employers are embracing new and creative ways to promote their company culture and attract and retain talent," said Kathy Gans, senior vice president of Accounting Principals. "Companies that offer other perks beyond salary—such as holiday bonuses, extra paid time off or flexible work schedules—are more likely to retain their talent than those solely focused on salaries." The findings also indicate that, contrary to popular belief, nearly all hiring companies recommend job-seekers to continue pursuing new opportunities through the holiday period. That's because employers are recruiting year-round these days due to a lack of available talent in specific areas, and companies can no longer afford to shut it down recruitment until after the New Year. More than 500 U.S. HR and hiring managers took part in the research.