Beyond salary: Lithuanian companies enhance perks to attract workers

Companies in Lithuania are going beyond traditional salaries to attract and retain employees, offering a growing array of perks and amenities. At telecommunications firm "Bitė," employees enjoy benefits such as free ice cream during breaks, which also serves as a team-building activity. The company also provides on-site childcare, with a nanny looking after children brought to work by parents, and has a playroom and outdoor barbecue facilities.

Eglė Staniulionė, head of "Bitė's" People Embassy, highlighted that the company actively solicits employee feedback on desired benefits. "Such things are very important because we are not standing still and saying that everything as it is now is great and the best. Changes are constantly happening, and we are constantly asked. They don't think for themselves, they ask us what we want most," she explained.

This trend is supported by a recent study revealing job seekers' evolving expectations. Roberta Stomaite, director at recruitment firm "Amston," noted that while paid vacation days are standard, employees now often request benefits for beauty treatments. Other sought-after perks include on-site sports facilities with showers, and quiet rooms for focused work.

Experts observe that the labor market dynamics have shifted, placing more leverage with employees. Andrius Romanovskis, president of the Lithuanian Business Confederation, stated that employers face a significant challenge in attracting talent due to labor shortages. "Naturally, when there is a shortage of employees, you try to attract them in various ways," he said. He also pointed out that Lithuania still lags behind developed EU countries in average salaries, prompting employers to compete not only on wages but also on comprehensive benefits and attractive working conditions.