From Egg Freezing to Tuition Reimbursement, Company Perks Are Up in Tight Labor Market

Companies from restaurants to financial firms are being forced to find new and creative ways to lure workers, and the competition for employees is playing out with lavish benefits, reports National Public Radio . Truck drivers are getting a $5,000 signing bonus to drive for Walmart. Kroger grocery baggers can get tuition reimbursed. New-mother baristas at Starbucks can now get their full salary for up to six weeks of maternity leave. A recent ManpowerGroup poll of companies found that 32 percent are offering additional perks and benefits to overcome shortages in talent. Turner, the media company, is trying to hire and retain data scientists and information security professionals with perks that include pet insurance, autism support, and egg-freezing assistance programs. A big reason for the shortage is a lack of applicants, while another is that those who do apply lack the experience or skills required for the open jobs.