Job seekers see new kinds of benefits as remote work changes the workplace

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) — Some of the perks that once attracted job seekers are no longer relevant as remote work continues. So employers had to listen and change with the times.

Four years ago, San Jose State’s Class of 2022 never would have imagined it would be this good. There are over 27,000 job vacancies at the university’s career center. That’s almost four jobs for each of the approximately 7,400 graduates this year. This means they can make requests.

A survey conducted on LinkedIn by recruiting firm Robert Half indicated that just over half of this year’s graduates want to work remotely. This means perks like free food or on-site dry cleaning and massage lose their relevance and value.

RELATED: Employers take note: Most remote workers don’t want to return to the office

San Francisco-based benefits consultancy Forma says companies are in effect creating a menu of benefits that employees can select from, including help with student loan debt repayment. Providing more flexible benefits can help fill an estimated 11 million job openings. Other companies, according to recruiting firm Robert Half, waive advanced degree requirements and offer either educational benefits or in-house training.

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