I think many Gen X’ers like myself grew up in the era of $10 copays and the assumption that health benefits were required of employers. Now that I am older and dealing with grey hairs, I have learned the truth about that topic. One thing we try to stress with candidates is the fact that health benefits are 1.) a perk since they are not required and 2.) a significant piece of the compensation pie.

This quick blurb is from the Career News newsletter (sorry, no link):

WASHINGTON, DC –The percentage of U.S. residents covered by employment-based health insurance declined again last year, the U.S. Census Bureau reported Tuesday.

In 2006, 59.7% of the U.S. population received health insurance coverage through an employment-based plan. That is down from 60.2% in 2005 and is the sixth consecutive year of decreases in employment-based coverage. In 2000, 64.2% of the U.S. population had health insurance through an employer, the report shows.
While the Census Bureau revised its previous years’ health insurance estimates – showing that more U.S. residents have health insurance coverage than previously reported – the trend remains the same. According to the report, the percentage of people without health insurance increased to 15.8% in 2006 from 15.3% in 2005.

As a small business owner, I can attest to the incredible rising costs associated with health insurance. If you offer a strong (or “rich”) benefits package, make sure you spell out those details when making an offer to a sales candidate. What was once assumed is now being measured by candidates so use your benefits package to your advantage.

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Ok, this may only interest me, but I am fascinated by the large corporate environment. So it is obvious that I had to read BusinessWeek.com’s The Most Innovative Corporate Cafeterias. Of course is there is the obligatory Google mention to start the article:

Google’s Mountain View (Calif.) headquarters€”dubbed the Googleplex€”boasts 15 cafeterias, each with its own theme and menu. Options range from regional American cuisine to tapas to dishes emphasizing locally grown ingredients.

Ok, we get it – Google has unbelievable benefits.

Microsoft boasts 26 cafés at its main Redmond (Wash.) campus, with several more slated to open this year and next€”and that’s not counting the pantries scattered throughout the buildings and the more than two dozen coffee stands.

My heart stopped when I read 2 dozen coffee stands. My dream come true. And one last trivial piece of information (with my emphasis):

Not all seek outside help running their cafeterias. Take Hallmark Cards, for example. The Kansas City (Mo.) company has been providing meals for its employees since 1923, says Sally Luck, director of corporate services.

There, probably more than you ever wanted to know about corporate cafeterias. Now I’m off to buy a coffee.

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