Simon Dawson/Photographer: Simon Dawson/Bloom
For employers attempting to navigate a stubborn talent market and employees who are "quiet quitting," offering the benefits and perks the workforce is craving has perhaps never been more important to recruitment and retention efforts.
The challenge, of course, is that what workers want has shifted over the course of the pandemic. According to the Society for Human Resource management's 2022 Employee Benefits Survey, healthcare, retirement and paid time off still top the list of employee demands, but mental health benefits, access to telehealth, flexible work policies and family-care benefits have all risen in importance.
"Beyond competitive pay, having great perks and benefits continue to play an important role in what makes a workplace attractive," Comparably co-founder and CEO Jason Nazar said in a release. "From fully-paid healthcare and unlimited time off to fertility and adoption benefits, more companies are expanding their offerings to make a difference in the lives of their employees."
Read more: The 10 workplace policies job seekers are demanding
Comparably, a business-data platform, tracked feedback from employees across industries and organizations to create a list of top companies with the best benefits and perks throughout 2022. Of those businesses that topped the list, employees particularly called out programs including adoption and fertility benefits, tuition reimbursement, and wellness programs as reasons they felt so content with their employer.
The data is based on anonymous ratings of employers on Comparably over a 12-month period beginning in September 2021. Comparably's rankings were compiled based on 15 million ratings across 70,000 companies in the U.S. and Canada. Large companies, or any organization with more than 500 employees, must have a minimum of 75 employee participants to be included in the list.
Here are the top 20 large employers keeping their workforce happy with robust benefits and culture perks.
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(WGHP) — Whether it’s a business, a school or a nonprofit, they all need to reach people and get their message out.
That can be a real challenge. People’s attention is often divided between television, a tablet and a phone.
Now, a local company, Captivate Media, is helping cut through the clutter by creating multi-media solutions that are made in North Carolina.
You can find out more by visiting the Captivate Media NC website.
Planning new adventures and experiencing an extensive variety of new things is so refreshing. Exposing your mind and body to innovative ideas daily is associated with a wealth of happiness—research says so! I'm here to bring you a delightful, sensory culinary experience that will not only please your palate, but will also quench your desire for an outside-of-the-box, luxurious dining treat. If you're ready to broaden your horizons and taste buds, I have just the unique experience to try. Visit Chef Isao Yamada at Kaiseki Room, a top-notch restaurant in Midtown Manhattan, to soak up extraordinary dining at its finest. While you're at it, keep memorizing to learn the healthy habits of a professional chef and more about Kaiseki Room.
It's not just about dining; it's a total sensory experience.
Kaiseki Room by Yamada is not simply about eating dinner. You'll enjoy 11 courses of seasonal kaiseki omakase, prepared right in front of you by Chef Yamada. I had the pleasure of dining there, and it was truly a once-in-a-lifetime stimulating dining extravagance. Oh—and the comforting, minimalistic aesthetic of the venue itself is strong. I can attest to the fact that the sensory experience truly lifted my mood, made my taste buds do a happy dance, and raised my feeling of wellness through food.
Related: How I Learned To Slow Aging and Live Better on a Wellness Retreat
Chef Yamada wanted a "change of pace in life," and made his dream happen.
Chef Yamada has loved the culinary scene since the age of 19, when a talented friend bedazzled him with remarkable cooking skills. Feeling incredibly inspired, Chef Yamada left college life behind for a "change of pace in life." That monumental step led him to his future. He started his journey at a French restaurant in his hometown of Fukuoka, Japan. Chef Yamada followed his passion right back to his Japanese roots and is serving up ancient fare at Kaiseki Room by Yamada in NYC.
Related: I Did a 5-Day Lifestyle Reset and Feel So Much Healthier
He loves fishing, hiking, and checking out seasonal ingredients at the market for his aesthetically pleasing dishes.
Japanese nature and art is the motivation behind every dish, and the décor is representative of everything that's specially prepared for guests. Chef Yamada's courses of choice? Utilizing the donabe (a clay pot) and preparing hassun (a "seasonal platter") are his "pride and joy."
When Eat This, Not That! asked the chef about his favorite interests, he reveals that he's an avid nature, hiking, and fishing lover. What he loves best about preparing his aesthetically pleasing dishes? He explains, "Going to the market, seeing the seasonal ingredients, [and drawing] inspiration from nature."
Kaiseki Room by Yamada focuses on "the belief in seasonality and locality."
The Manhattan hot spot focuses on the tradition of "kaiseki," the philosophy of which Chef Yamada explains is "the belief in seasonality and locality." He adds, "You will be hard pushed to find a kaiseki menu which stays the same for a week or a month. As the seasons change, so [do] the ingredients, as kaiseki is focused on eating what is in season at that moment and from what is grown where you are at that time." His hope is that every single customer enjoys a fun-filled, happy experience they'll look forward to coming back to.
Change in routine can bring on positive vibes and greater happiness in life.
It's important to note that a study performed by New York University and the University of Miami reveals that planning a little change in environment, getting involved in new plans, or breaking out of the same old routine can supply you a major mood boost, bring on positivity, and provide overall greater happiness in life. The author of the study and assistant professor of psychology and neural science at NYU, Catherine Hartley, explains to CNBC Make It that a bit of spice in life can actually raise one's feeling of well-being. How so? Well, the section of your brain known as the hippocampus works on developing your memories. Hartley says "[it's] also sensitive to the novelty of spatial environments." The striatum, a different section of your brain, assists in assessing your surroundings and considers the benefits they will provide.
So gear up to experience Kaiseki Room by Yamada for yourself! You will not be disappointed.
Duration: 01:32
From his range of on-screen work to his striking red carpet style, Adam Driver continues to take Hollywood and fans by storm!
Just three days after Liu Yexi made her debut on Chinese short video app Douyin, she attracted 2.3 million followers. In her first video clip, which lasted about two minutes, the virtual beauty blogger sat in a neon-lit alley and did her makeup in a mirror while dressed like a Taoist priest.
The video, which combined traditional Chinese cultural elements, science fiction elements and special visual effects with a cyberpunk style, stunned Chinese netizens. So far, Liu has posted 20 videos and gained more than 8 million followers.
The catch, however, is that Liu is not a real person but a virtual avatar developed by Shenzhen Chuangyi Technology and Culture Co Ltd, a company dedicated to creating visual content and digital avatars. Her popularity online reflects the fact that the virtual idol industry is booming in China.
Virtual idols are artificial intelligence-powered digital characters that bear a close resemblance to real humans. As more and more young people become captivated by these virtual idols, their commercial value is also rising.
A growing number of brands are looking to use virtual idols in advertisements, livestreaming and other marketing campaigns, in the hopes that they will increase brand awareness and lure more young consumers.
For instance, world-renowned virtual influencer Lil Miquela began appearing alongside real human celebrities in online advertisements and TV commercials in 2016, and has since gained over 3 million Instagram followers. She has worked with world-renowned luxury brands like Fendi, Off-White and Prada.
China's first virtual influencer Ayayi, who debuted on social media platform Xiaohongshu in May 2021 and garnered over 20,000 followers overnight, has attracted the attention of brands such as Louis Vuitton and Guerlain. Other luxury brands like Dior and L'Oreal have developed their own in-house virtual idols.
Compared with real idols and stars, virtual avatars, who, like their flesh-and-blood counterparts, can sing, dance and promote products through livestreaming, seem more approachable to fans, and are not likely to be mired in scandals, industry experts said.
These virtual brand ambassadors can be present at multiple events simultaneously and at the brand's disposal 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They provide the additional possibility for followers to interact with them one-on-one.
According to data from online market research and business intelligence portal Statista, the scale of China's virtual idol market reached 6.22 billion yuan ($887.3 million) in 2021, bringing an extra value of 107 billion yuan to other sectors. The figure is projected to reach 20.52 billion yuan in 2023.
About 92.3 percent of virtual idol fans are aged between 19 and 30 years old, and 80 percent of followers spend less than 1,000 yuan per month on virtual idols, according to market consultancy iiMedia Research.
Zhang Yi, CEO and principal analyst at iiMedia Research, said virtual idols can subtly convey brand concepts in the process of interacting with users, and have been increasingly applied in a wide range of fields, such as product promotion, livestreaming, concerts, commercial performances, gaming and broadcasting.
Zhao Zhanling, a legal adviser for the Internet Society of China, said Generation Z－those born between the mid-1990s and the early 2010s－has become a major force in the consumption market and is more receptive to virtual idols. "For brand owners, utilizing popular virtual idols as brand spokespersons could enhance consumer perceptions and Strengthen their sense of trust toward products," Zhao said.
In addition, a series of celebrity scandals in latest years have made brands pay more attention to risk management. Zhao said there are many uncontrollable factors involving human celebrities, while such risks do not exist in choosing virtual idols for brand endorsement.
"With continuous advances in intelligent technologies such as motion capture technology, the production cost of virtual idols will be greatly reduced, which will supply a big boost to their popularization," said Wang Fei, associate professor at the School of Journalism, Renmin University of China.
Motion capture technology is a process by which movement is digitally recorded and has become an essential tool in the entertainment business, giving computer animators the ability to make nonhuman characters more lifelike.
In addition, China's Gen Z consumers have been profoundly affected by ACGN (anime, comics, games and novels) culture. They possess a yearning for virtual culture and interaction experience with virtual symbols, so virtual idols can meet user demand for companionship and a sense of belonging, Wang said.
However, the virtual idol market in China is still in its early stages. Zhang, the iiMedia Research CEO, called for better supervision of virtual idols and the improvement of relevant laws and regulations.
NEW YORK, Sept. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The world-famous red symbol of excellence is coming to New York City. Taiwan Excellence is an awards label that recognizes the top products coming out of Taiwan annually. As a part of their 2022 world tour, Taiwan Excellence is breaking records by making an awe-inspiring stop at one of the world's most famous landmarks. For the very first time, a creative link made between two Times Square billboard screens, producing a jaw-dropping experience for all visitors. The iconic One Times Square Billboard watched by millions worldwide during the New Year's Eve countdown is seamlessly connected with the ABC Supersign, creating a unique interactive 3D show. (Campaign Video on YouTube)
Dynamic Storytelling with 3D Experience
A gorgeous blue sky with fluffy white clouds sets the scene. Jade Mountain, the quintessential symbol of Taiwan's natural environment sits majestically, while the eye-catching Taiwan Excellence logo is launched into the clouds. The 3D logo weaves its way in and out of different scenes that symbolize the international reach of Taiwan's innovative products. People passing by will marvel at the different 3D animations as they fly between the two panels, symbolizing the friendship between Taiwan and America.
The streets of New York City will be lit up with Taiwan Excellence, along with an excellent concept behind it, bringing everyday excellence to lives of the people. Audiences will leave Times Square with a strong impression for Taiwan's creative power and innovative product design. The campaign will be at Times Square in New York City from September 19 to September 25, with a record-making link-up show on September 19 and September 24.
Achieve Everyday Excellence
Focusing on four major areas of product excellence, the coveted Taiwan Excellence award is given to products that are innovating in research and development, design, quality, and marketing. As an international hub for design and technology, Taiwan is home to many of the world's top brands. With the Taiwan Excellence awards, every year a professional multi-disciplinary team of jurors select the best Taiwanese products.
This October, a selection of the 2022 Taiwan Excellence award-winning products will be showcased in Washington, D.C., at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. Drift away into an Immersive Future at the very first 'Taiwan Excellence Immersion Pavilion' and discover many top design-oriented lifestyle solutions. For more information, please visit the official website of the Taiwan Expo USA 2022, and the Taiwan Excellence Instagram.
About Taiwan Excellence
The Taiwan Excellence Awards celebrate the ingenuity and innovation of Taiwanese businesses that display outstanding R&D, design, and quality in product development.
The annual event is committed to elevating the creativity of Taiwanese businesses internationally. Please visit www.taiwanexcellence.org for more information.
For more information and campaign visuals and videos, please obtain it here.
Media Contact：
Sucy Lin
Tiger Party New York
Tel: +1 646.441.8000 | sucy@thetigerparty.com
Brian Lee
Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA)
Tel: +886-2-2725-5200 ext. 1368 | brianlee@taitra.org.tw
View original content to obtain multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/innovative-products-from-taiwan-captivate-new-york-audience-at-times-square-301628972.html
SOURCE Taiwan Excellence
Aaron Judge has finally done it.
After a week-long wait the Yankees slugger made history Wednesday, hitting his 61st home run of the season to tie Roger Maris’ longtime single-season American League record. Judge tied Maris’ mark with a two-run shot to left field at the Rogers Centre to put New York ahead of the Toronto Blue Jays 5-3 in the top of the seventh, tagging left-hander Tim Mayza to snap a seven-game home run drought.
The big home run capped off a week of wall-to-wall coverage, with millions of television viewers across the country tuning in for his every at bat. Even in the post-steroid era, Judge’s historic chase has captivated the nation, and whenever Judge stepped to the plate the sports world stopped and held its breath.
In surpassing 60 home runs Judge has provided clarity on a question that has loomed over baseball for the past two decades. Do home runs still have the significance they once held in the sport, and if someone else came along and started smashing homers at a record pace, how would people react?
Officially Judge still needs to hit 12 more home runs to match Barry Bonds’ record total of 73 from 2001, but among wide swaths of the public that accomplishment is viewed as illegitimate due to Bonds’ suspected steroid use. The same is true for the marks set by Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Among that contingent, Maris’ old record of 61 still stands as the true mark of greatness, and even Babe Ruth’s original mark of 60 maintains an air of mystique and gravitas.
That, along with the fact that Maris and Ruth are the only players to ever reach 60 outside of the Steroid Era, is why Judge’s accomplishment is such a big deal. Though it’s factually correct to say Judge is about to break the AL home run record, it’s also a convenient stand-in for the real reason most people care, which is that he’s on the verge of setting a new record by a player not credibly linked to performance-enhancing drugs.
Put differently, do you think ESPN’s First Take would be interested if someone had a chance to break Lefty O’Doul’s 93-year-old National League single-season hits record?
Whichever view you take, Judge’s chase is being treated as the real deal and as a major, historic achievement, one that’s broken through into the mainstream conversation unlike any baseball storyline in latest memory.
At a time when most sports networks are fully locked in on the start of football season, Judge’s chase has become appointment viewing. Once Judge reached 60 home runs last week, ESPN announced that the following night it would cut in live for each of his at bats.
Every Yankees game since has been broadcast nationally. All four games from this weekend’s Red Sox-Yankees series were carried by either Fox, AppleTV+, MLB Network or ESPN, and TBS and MLB Network picked up each of this week’s Blue Jays games as well.
Judge and Maris’ families have been in the ballpark every night this past week too, and it stands to reason that all eyes will remain on Judge until he hits No. 62, and likely afterwards too.
All of this is great for baseball, which has been desperate for a story like this after three years of pandemic cancellations and labor-related acrimony. No matter who you believe is the rightful record-holder, there’s still something magical about watching someone step into the spotlight and chase greatness night after night.
Email: mcerullo@northofboston.com.
Twitter: @MacCerullo.
