Tech firms, startups shifting benefits to attract more workers and keep star staff
BNN Bloomberg
The shift toward remote work means competition for talent has never been fiercer in the tech sector, and Canadian companies and startups say they're going to great lengths to find new staff and keep their star workers from leaving.
TORONTO - Tech companies used to boast about their modern offices with gyms, fully-stocked kitchens and even bowling alleys.
But when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, sharing a meal or treadmill with a colleague became a lot less attractive to workers, who could suddenly work from anywhere and thus, for anyone.
The shift toward remote work means competition for talent has never been fiercer in the tech sector, and Canadian companies and startups say they're going to great lengths to find new staff and keep their star workers from leaving.
Unlimited vacation policies, stipends for daycare and office furniture, and extensive health and wellness benefits are all being offered right now, say industry executives and observers.
“Many companies have had to abandon what used to be the attraction pieces for bringing people into the workplace, whether it's dogs at the office, ping-pong and foosball tables, big-screen TVs, open bars,'' said Bill Tam, co-founder of Digital Technology Supercluster, an organization accelerating investment in innovation.
“Perks are now really much more around employee wellness and benefits that are comprehensive and supporting what (workers) need.''
