Bigger is not always better for onrampers

It's been a few years since company perquisites have been a hot news topic. After the "tech bubble" burst, we stopped hearing about ping pong tables in conference rooms, all-you-can-eat-for-free employee lunches and masseuses who knead away knots at your desk. Well, guess what? Employee perqs are back, with a vengeance. This time, small companies are leading the way. Last week, the Wall Street Journal devoted an entire section to what makes a small workplace great. This "best of" list included companies under $100 million in revenue, one even as small as $1.5 million. What these companies had in common was a clear commitment to retaining great employees. Because of their small stature, they were able to offer what many large companies cannot afford - diverse programs tailored to their unique workforce. Sounds like a perfect workplace for onrampers who are looking for more than a 9-5 job. Here are some of the winning ideas: Family-focused programs that allow workers to have lunch with their children (who attend on-site day care) Strong training and development programs to help employees prepare for the next (better) job, within the company, of course One seasonal employer kept its employees on payroll during slow months, focusing on training to reduce workplace injury Interest-free loans to employees for financial crises Meetings held on walking trails instead of conference rooms Consultants who only worked for clients within driving distance, eliminating extensive travel usually associated with management consulting "Bonehead award" - encouraging employees to take risks and possibly fail, all in the name of constant improvement Onrampers seek opportunities that will fit their unique work profile. Small companies are nimble enough to offer great programs that cater to a unique employee. Sounds like a perfect fit.