As a recruiter, we’re noticing some eye-catching benefits being offered to candidates by our clients during the recruitment process. Gone are the days when a competitive salary and standard perks were enough to entice top talent. In today's tight employment market, employers are going the extra mile by offering enticing and surprising workplace benefits to prospective employees. This trend not only reflects the changing expectations of job seekers but also demonstrates how companies are evolving to create a more attractive and engaging work environment.

A key reason behind this trend is the intensifying competition for skilled professionals. With a limited pool of qualified candidates, employers are realizing the need to stand out from the crowd. Whilst applications per job ad are rising (up 7.7% nationally in April, according to SEEK) they have come from a very low base, so employers are still having to work hard to attract quality candidates.



And employers are getting creative! From wellness initiatives to personal and professional growth programs, it’s clear that those employers that offer an appealing suite of benefits are in the best position to attract and retain the best talent.

Employers that are keen to have their team based in the office are also having to “earn the commute”, to make it worthwhile for them to travel to work as opposed to working from home.

— Jane Carey, CEO Edge Recruitment

Here are just some of the plethora of great benefits being offered by our clients that we can share with you.

• Bring your dog to work
  Dog-friendly workplaces where staff can bring their dog to work on rostered days
• Mental health
  6 free mental health consults a year with a psychologist
• Massage
  30-minute massages offered fortnightly
• Financial discounts
  Discounts on home finance and financial advice
• Pilates
  Twice weekly pilates classes before work
• Get-togethers
  Team lunch and a glass of champagne on Fridays
• Health insurance
  Discounts on private health insurance
• Shopping discounts
  Discounts on popular stores such as Harvey Norman, Myer and JB HiFi
• Charity leave
  One day of additional annual leave a year to support a charity or community organisation of your choosing
• Income protection
  Fully paid income protection insurance after five years of service
• Internet costs
  $60 per month allowance to cover home internet costs
• Dry cleaning
  A weekly dry-cleaning allocation
• Free food
  Breakfast, snacks and weekly fruit deliveries for staff.
• Additional leave
  Extra annual and maternity leave

While the trend of workplace benefits undoubtedly benefits job seekers, it also poses a challenge for employers. Crafting attractive offerings requires careful consideration of employees' needs as well as aligning them with the company's values and culture. Additionally, organizations must ensure that these benefits are sustainable in the long run and contribute to the overall success of the business.

This increasing trend signifies a shift towards a more candidate-centric approach to recruitment. By recognizing the changing expectations of job seekers and addressing their needs, smart businesses can position themselves as attractive and desirable workplaces. These benefits not only help attract and retain top talent but also foster a culture of innovation, well-being, and growth within organizations. As the competition for skilled professionals continues to intensify, it is clear that workplace benefits will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of recruitment and employee engagement.

What work perks are important to you?

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