More and more companies are luring employees with so-called benefits, ie extra offers and discounts. They can certainly help to compensate for the shortage of skilled workers, but they are no guarantee for a solution.
In the hunt for skilled workers, some companies offer their employees special benefits. The product range of the cosmetics company Cura in Innsbruck, for example, ranges from e-bike rental to the company doctor and canteen to childcare for children from six months to 14 years. Massage chairs and ping pong tables are available for breaks, and employees can work out at the in-house yoga class or partner fitness studio with reduced access. That is stated on the website, and company spokeswoman Anna Danzer also beats the drum in an interview with “Krone”: “Positive cooperation and respectful interaction have always been important to Cura.” The employees would give their all at work, so they have to.
Of course, the company also expects a benefit from this offer. It is not for nothing that the in-house academy offers a wide range of seminars. “It is important to us that our employees continue their education and put their heart and soul into it,” explains Danzer.
Benefits are not for everyone
Andreas Steinmayr, professor of empirical economic research at the University of Innsbruck, doubts whether sweets automatically make the workforce more productive. A US study found that companies that offer health benefits and exercise have attracted health-conscious, athletic employees, but have not made their existing workforce more productive. “I can imagine that it is the same in Austria,” Steinmayr assumes.
To some extent, additional offers could compensate for a lower salary, the expert said: “It is an individual decision that is well considered.” For example, childcare can be a decisive factor for parents. This is not free at Cura, “but we make sure it doesn’t cost more than anywhere else,” explains Anna Danzer. The advantage is obvious: parents save time and distance.
If there is a shortage of skilled labour, offers can help
In times when there is a shortage of skilled workers, it is important to stand out from the crowd, says Anna Danzer. ,,Only relying on benefits would be too short-sighted.” However, you see that offers are being asked for. “We have always had feedback that this has made the Cura more interesting,” emphasizes the spokeswoman.
University professor Steinmayr also believes ‘absolutely’ that benefits can help against the shortage of skilled workers, although certain offers only work from a certain company size. But: Flexibility and home office can also offer many small businesses.
Source: Krone
I’m Ben Stock, a journalist and author at Today Times Live. I specialize in economic news and have been working in the news industry for over five years. My experience spans from local journalism to international business reporting. In my career I’ve had the opportunity to interview some of the world’s leading economists and financial experts, giving me an insight into global trends that is unique among journalists.
