Using Bonuses To Attract New Workers
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Using Bonuses To Attract New Workers

September 14, 2021 | Chart

Traditional labor market data indicates that labor shortages are more severe for jobs that do not require a bachelor’s degree. In partnership with Emsi Burning Glass, analyses of online job postings present a real-time view into how employers are reacting to shifts in the labor market and the ways in which they are working to combat the labor shortage.

Shown in the chart below, the share of online job postings mentioning a starting bonus or sign-on bonus has increased significantly in 2021, especially for sub-BA occupations. Between June 2020 and June 2021, the share has doubled for occupations that require less than a bachelor’s degree. Employers are likely to continue to offer incentives to widen the pool of available workers in the coming months.

A sharp increase in starting bonuses offered in sub-BA occupations.


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