Commercial Investment Real Estate May/June 2016 | Page 13

bonuses when projects are completed, tele- commuting options, or an annual stipend for the purchase of new types of technology. Tese benefts tend to focus on present needs and desires rather than long-term goals. Creative Benefts Here are some specifc examples of creative benefts, ofered by companies. This article is sponsored by the CCIM Foundation @ www.ccimef.org. Full Contact, a contact management com- pany in Denver, provides employees with $7,500 for a vacation once a year. Tis is in addition to continuing to pay the employee salary during the vacation period. Metis Communications in Boston has an enhanced vacation policy that provides three weeks’ vacation, a day of for the employee’s birthday, a bonus week of vacation afer four years of employment, and summer Friday vacation days afer fve years. Te Red Frog Event Co. in Chicago pro- vides unlimited vacation days, a work from home option one day a week, and a month paid sabbatical afer fve years as a full-time employee. A sabbatical is a unique beneft usually provided to long-term employees, as a way for employees to recharge their batter- ies by pursuing a hobby or travel. Tasty Catering in Elk Grove Village, Ill., provides employees with funding to launch their own ventures. To date, 12 employees have obtained funding. Te types of busi- nesses launched have included a bakery, a gif company, and a creative agency. Since each employee’s personal needs and goals difer, Service Express in Grand Rap- ids, Mich., has attempted to customize a plan for each employee by having the employee meet with his/her manager twice a year to lay out personal, professional, and fnancial goals. In doing so, the employer can assist the employee in achieving those goals. Tis focus on each employee has resulted in a very low turnover rate. Te lesson for businesses competing for talent is to be adaptable and creative in pro- viding employee benefts. Look to the demo- graphic of the workforce, ask employees what is of greatest value to them, and tailor ben- efts accordingly. Mary Stark-Hood, JD, CFP, is president of the Hood Group, and serves as a consul- tant to the CCIM Foundation. Contact her at [email protected]. Did you know? TAX BENEFITS OF TRANSFERRING AN APPRECIATED STOCK TO THE CCIM FOUNDATION COULD BE SUBSTANTIAL. If you own stocks with large unrealized gains in taxable accounts, there is a valuable tax strategy to consider. The tax planning benefts of donating appreciated shares of stock result in two tax benefts: Deducting the amount of the charitable donation AND Avoiding the unrealized gains on the appreciated shares To fnd out how to quickly and easily make a stock donation to the CCIM Foundation visit www.ccimef.org/give-now.asp Maximize your tax savings while making the greatest charitable impact to the CCIM Foundation. The CCIM Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonproft organization . CCIM.com May | June | 2016 