Robert Half looks at incentives to attract top talent
While 31 per cent of chief financial officers (compared to 46 per cent in 2003) say offering higher compensation than competitors is the most effective incentive to attracting accounting professionals, 20 per cent feel the benefits package has the greatest influence, up from one per cent.
However, the number of financial executives who feel telecommuting and flexible work schedules are the top draw fell eight points, from 28 per cent in 2003 to 20 per cent in 2008.
The phone survey of 270 CFOs developed by Robert Half International, a staffing services firm specializing in accounting and finance, suggests extended health-care costs have increased the value workers place on benefits options.
“Companies that do not provide comprehensive employment packages, including competitive compensation and benefits packages, risk losing top job candidates to other opportunities,” said Max Messmer, chairman and CEO of Robert Half.
Other incentives considered effective for attracting top candidates included signing bonuses (four per cent, down from seven per cent in 2003) and extra vacation days (four per cent, down from 11 per cent).
