Sunday, December 05, 1999
SMALL-BUSINESS DIARY
Study finds that perks really work
The sample is small, but the survey conclusions are clear: A lot of companies apparently think they can keep workers around by offering free food.
An online poll of 129 firms by Ceridan Employer Services found so-called “work perks” helped attract and retain employees.
The Minneapolis company found 82 percent of the companies polled offered casual dress, 61 percent permitted flexible hours and 36 percent offered free food or beverages.
The company, which provides human-resources solutions and payroll/tax filing services, found some unusual perks among the companies surveyed.
Five percent of the companies had lactation rooms, 6 percent allowed pets at work and 2.3 percent had concierge services.
“The prospect of getting stock options and a bonus are still great ways to attract and retain the best employees,” said Diane McNutt, director of hu man resources at Ceridan.
“But it's nice to get a free doughnut in the morning, work out at the company gym in the afternoon, and leave work early to pick up the kids and finish an assignment at home. This is the kind of flexibility and care that wins the hearts and minds of employees today.”
Newsletter for entrepreneurs
The Edward Lowe Report, a new 16-page monthly newsletter targeting entrepreneurs, offers information, research and education experiences from executives and company founders.
The publication costs $89 for a yearly subscription and is available by calling (800) 232-5693 or visiting the company Web site at www.lowe.org.
10 most common holiday no-nos
Ann Marie Sabath, founder of At Ease Inc., the Cincinnatibusiness etiquette training company, has developed the 10 most common holiday mistakes:
Sending a card without a personal note; running a holiday envelope through a postage meter; not thanking clients for business sent your way; being dressed inappropriately for a holiday gathering outside the office; taking a sibling to a gathering instead of a guest; allowing alcohol to act as a truth serum.
Also, not understanding that when invited to a holiday gathering, guests should talk to people they don't know; forgetting to thank vendors; not acknowledging a gift with a note of thanks; and forgetting to set aside quality time for individuals.
Ms. Sabath is gaining national recognition for her advice and appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show in October. It was her third appearance.
Business bookshelf
From The Brand You 50 by Tom Peters (Knopf; $15.95): “Staying professionally fresh demands a refreshment-investment plan as much as financial security demands a formal investment plan.”
New stuff at Kroger
Q & A with Kroger CEO
New Indiana riverboat casino starts early
Car dealer puts hit on Bengals
Ex-CEO downsizes job, picks up rock 'n' roll drumsticks
Infomercials surf Web terrain
Full of Goodness carves niche in gift-basket items
Rural basket-maker adding Columbus office
SMALL-BUSINESS DIARY
