Reg Taylor's News Room

Ken White (our illustrious News Director) is usually pretty good about bringing in food on nights when we have to do extra shows.  You know, like a Sunday news cast after a Panthers' football game or a NASCAR race.  I think that is kinda cool.  It's like a bit of a perk.  We do extra work...they feed us.  Is this a ploy to keep us in the building? 

What would you like as a perk where you work?  Chair massage comes to mind!  No! That is not rubbing down a chair!  Or you could bring your pet to work...with a diaper on of course, unless your pet is a lizzard, then that would look funny with a diaper on!

Employers realize the best way to retain prized employees among the current talent crunch is to make them want to stay, often through first-rate perks. In addition to the standard comprehensive benefits package, some companies are taking things a step further, offering unique perks to keep current employees happy and new employees eager to stick around.

The company perks I came across ran the gamut from widespread to unique to downright unfair. Check out how companies, big and small, across the country are keeping their employees happy.  Here are a couple of them:

1. Barkley; Kansas City, Mo.
Great perks: This advertising agency has an annual “Kidnap Day,” when the company shuts down for the day and workers are taken to an undisclosed location, like an arcade. Additionally, there are break-time activities, like pool and ping-pong tournaments, and free Boulevard beer on tap after 4 p.m. To top it off, employees are given birthdays off (with $25 spending money); on-site yoga; and a rooftop observation deck with gardens, Wi-Fi access and barbecue grills.

2. SAS; Cary, N.C.
Great perks: Along with amenities like an on-site hair salon, massage therapy and car detailing, this software company also features subsidized day care centers and a free on-site healthcare center, complete with doctors, nurse practitioners and nutritionists.

 All "food" for thought!  What do you think?