fits including day care for children, elder care for parents, gyms, massages, subsidized meals, financial counseling and concierge services.Work/Life InitiativesWhile compensation remains a key bargaining chip in recruiting qualified workers, many employers realize that in today's tight labor market, helping workers juggle the hectic demands of work and family can aid in keeping them. According to a telephone survey, conducted by Randstad North America, the parent company of several employment firms, employees want to balance competing work and family responsibilities. Fifty one percent of employees said they would stay at their current job rather than switch if their employer offered flexible working hours. Also, 62 percent said they prefer a boss who understands when they need to leave work for personal reasons over one who could help them grow professionally. Fifty-one percent of employees prefer a job that offers flexible hours over one that offered an opportunity for advancement. Although job fit is important, culture fit determines whether someone is highly likely to remain with an organization. Every organization has its own unique culture or value set. Most organizations don't consciously try to create a certain culture. The culture of the organization is typically created unconsciously, based on the values of the top management or the founders of an organization. Employees commit to and want to remain with an organization whose culture they connect with. Providing career advancement opportunities is critical for retention, especially for those employees who are career oriented and are in the early or middle stages of their careers. Companies should whenever possible, promote from within. Career development discussions should be held at least annually or whenever the employee requests it. Although, an employee should take the initiative and own their career development plan, the organization should encourage its development. ...
