Companies Change Culture to Land Staffers

Business owners are using their company culture to make their firms more attractive to desired candidates, according to the Associated Press . Openness is a hallmark of the digital marketing company HubShout, with owner Adam Stetzer saying company staffers meet with candidates and disclose the firm's pluses and minuses. A recent Bank of America survey of about 1,000 small business owners found 25 percent of respondents reported moving to a more flexible corporate culture, recognizing that quality of life is as important, if not more valuable, than pay. More than 80 percent said they offer candidates perks or benefits like flexible hours, training and professional development, bonuses, and opportunities to work at a location of their choosing. Franchise companies also are getting into the act, with Monster Tree Service now offering all staffers at franchise locations a $5,000 annual credit toward the cost of starting their own tree removal companies.