Being competitive outside of wages doesn’t need to break the bank. Many small to medium employers use other employee incentives to recruit and retain top talent within a modest budget. We spoke with employers who shared some great examples, including

• making lunch for employees once a month
• investing in charitable work in the communities their employees live in
• providing group benefits and pension plans for employees
• employers shared that this is actually cost effective because they save money by avoiding the revolving door of reposting jobs, rehiring and retraining

Here are some other great ways you can be competitive outside of wages.

• company vehicle or vehicle allowance (taxable benefit to employee)
• company gas card
• company credit card
• reimburse mileage to job sites (or a portion of mileage)
• bonuses or staff recognition of hard work (i.e., gift card)
• day off each year on their birthday
• free professional development training
• connect your apprentice with a mentor or organization that offers mentorship for apprentices
• mentorship nights/events for apprentices or inform them of networking opportunities to meet professionals in their field
• skills upgrading and English as a Second Language training on site
• bi-annual/annual staff dinners or events
• on-site child minding for employees with children
• use the Supplemental Unemployment Benefit (SUB) Plan to increase employee’s weekly earnings during periods of technical training