Employee Benefits Programs Are Crucial to the Recruitment and Retention of Employees in Any Industry

Skilled workers have become free agents who can invest their human capital in the companies of their choice. The Human Resources department is at the forefront of this challenge, tackling recruitment, retention, compensation, and contributing to corporate culture. SAS Institute Inc. is a software manufacturing company that has recently risen to the top in both business and financial success, and also in employee retention rates. SAS's innovative approach to treatment of its employees has made the company an example of how an effective employee benefits program can reap rewards in many aspects of the business. The list of employee benefits and new-age perks is striking. A recent survey was conducted (see Appendix A), in which the benefits and working conditions among manufacturers were compared. SAS Institute provides better benefits at a significantly higher percentage than most companies, (Albertson, 2000). Although competitive companies offer similar benefits and services, SAS remains a leader, evidenced by the company's low turnover rate.…