Tt post apr 18, 2017 - b

I have never owned a business, but I would like to answer as if I was the employer of a company that had fewer than 50 employees, and the business was a computer programming/design shop that was profitable, of course.

1. Outside of standard benefits, what benefits should a company offer employees?

It might not be considered a benefit, but I would strive for the four-day work week. The employees work whatever hours are required to complete their tasks on those four days only, either at home or in the office. No work is to be done on the other three days. And no email/messaging after 7:00 p.m. on work days. Save that crap for the next work day. And wherever possible, replace email communication with other software apps.

If we didn't have our own exercise gym, then the company would pay for whatever exercise memberships the employees want. I might pay for home exercise equipment up to a certain amount. I prefer to exercise at home.

I assume that paying for more college coursework and training would be considered a standard benefit.

The company would offer lengthy maternity leave not only for the mom who gave birth but also for the dad or significant other.

2. What should the national minimum wage be?

The minimum wage should not exist.

3. How many sick days should be given to employees?

It's all time off, whether it's used for sick days, vacation, appointments, whatever. Time-off for a new employee with no experience should be a minimum of three or four weeks per year, whatever is competitive for the industry and region. The amount increases with time spent at the company and/or with experience before joining the company. I would permit carry-over into the next year, and the year after that, and so on, but I would "encourage" employees to take at least two weeks of vacation time per year.

I know what it was like to get too involved with work and not take time off and not exercise and not eat well and not rest properly. It's unsustainable.

4. How often should employees get raises?

I don't think that employees should get raises for "meets expectations." That's called a salary. They were hired to at least meet expectations. Raises should be for something greater.