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There are often more perks to a job than a paycheque, as employers make an effort to retain their top workers and entice new prospects. From offices to flexible schedules to company cars, employees are enjoying more job incentives than ever, though they still have workplace wish lists.

A new CareerBuilder survey asked more than 3,900 full-time workers nationwide which job factors are most important to them to find out what makes employees satisfied with their job and workplace. While the recovering economy may give the impression that workers can't be too choosy, employers don't necessarily share this view. Thirty-two percent of employers report that top performers left their organization in 2012 and 39 percent are concerned that they'll lose top employees in 2013. While most workers (66 percent) say they are generally satisfied with their job, 25 percent say they will change jobs in 2013 or 2014.

What can employers do to retain their best workers, and what can employees request to create a more enjoyable workplace? The top survey answers focus on salary, onsite privileges and creating more job-related opportunities.

Dream Job Benefits

Who hasn't wished for a little more comfort on-the-job? Onsite luxuries are just a dream for some, but these gratuities may be what keep workers happy at their current company. Twenty-six percent of workers say that providing special perks is an effective way to improve employee retention.

When asked to identify one perk that would make their workplace more satisfying, some of the highest-scoring answers include early dismissals, convenient gym access and casual dress. Click through our slideshow to find out which benefits ranked highest:

With a new year coming - is it time to make changes?

For those of us who believe in new year's resolutions, there's always a need to promise oneself to lose weight, be more helpful around the house or try to take up a new skill, like learn a language or a sport.

But for many of us the beginning of the calendar year also signifies a time to make a change with the career. With unemployment rates dipping again last month, its becoming more competitive to find the right job.

If a new job is in your future, there's a few companies that should be considered as places to help climb the corporate ladder.

The best companies to work for in 2013, according to Glassdoor, a career analyst website which compiles anonymous information on companies and has been issuing this list for the past five years:

Are you looking for work or want to change jobs? 2013 may be your year, with the latest report from the Bank of Montreal stating that one in four businesses will be looking to expand their workforce.

But it also comes with a familiar complaint from those hiring: good workers are hard to find.

With 73 per cent of businesses included in the recent survey saying they'll be looking for new employees, the survey also revealed that it's harder to attract the talent needed for growth in expansion in their industries.

So job seekers - where to go? what to do?

When most parents plan their child's summer vacation, they tend to choose camps based on the outdoor activities they offer -- soccer, archery, s'mores... But just as not all kids excel in those sports, not all summer camps make you choose between canoeing and sailing. There are programs that teach children about more mentally stimulating skills such as money management and conflict resolution or will introduce them to career prospects while they socialize with kids their age. So, if your child is taking more of an interest in taxes than tennis or perhaps has an entrepreneurial bent, here are some camps that may be of interest to you:

There's hardly been any job growth in Canada in the last little while -- in fact, a recent Statistics Canada report shows that employment growth has stagnated. Meanwhile, nobody seems quite sure where the economy's heading. As a parent of two young boys I find myself worrying about what opportunities will exist for them when they're ready to embark on their own career paths.

What I'm realizing is that when it comes to kids and their future, there's no time like the present to start teaching them skills that could eventually turn into employment. There are many classes and camps for kids offered as after school programs or on weekends that could be fun ways to learn skills or spark an interest that will help them find their way to a career later in life.

Many cities in Canada have placed their bets on casinos to help drive economic activity and stimulate development. With the economy continuing to sputter along, many places are looking to felt covered tables and one-armed bandits as saviours. Once thought of as 'Toronto The Good', Ontario's capital is the latest municipality thinking of going Vegas, but is the glitz and glamour all it's made out to be? Let's take a look at how a casino can help or hinder a city.

Tax Revenue
Gambling in Canada is big business. Last year, all legalized gambling contributed $13.7 billion in net revenue to governments. Casinos contributed 34% of that total. While this certainly sounds great, some research shows that governments that build casinos don't always spread their new wealth as expected. Instead of building roads and schools, for example, there is evidence that governments use gambling revenue on other priorities like debt reduction, which don't have the same immediate impacts on the people living in the shadow of the casino.

How long has it been since you've invested in yourself? It's easy to get caught up in investing for retirement but one of the best investments is in continuing education because you control the return. The harder you work the more the investment will pay off (and out). Here are some classes to consider that don't cost much but could be a huge benefit to your financial situation.

Financial Management
What better way to improve your fiscal fitness than understanding the ins and outs of money management. Many colleges have basic accounting courses you can take at night. You could also look into Credit Canada's Financial Coaching Series, which involves six sessions of basic financial coaching (each session costs $120 or you can attend all six for $600). This would be more personal than a basic college course since you're assigned a finance coach who will analyze your own situation and help you explore your own goals and beliefs about debt, credit and your financial future.

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Recently New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman declared the end of the average worker.
"In the past, workers with average skills, doing an average job, could earn an average lifestyle," he writes. "But, today, average is officially over."

Friedman blames the innovation of technology and cheap foreign labour as causes for the depleted options for those seeking stability.

Adding to the uncertainty is a recent Statistics Canada report that says employment in Canada has greatly stalled since last summer and the unemployment rate has risen.
Diminishing options and a soft economy are giving Canadians greater reason to value their current jobs. So forget average - here are 10 ways you can stand out as an extraordinary employee at work.

PHOTO GALLERY: (Click on image or continue reading story below)

1. Focus on Speaking or Leading
Even if you'd rather drink castor oil than speak publicly, volunteer to lead the odd meeting if your manager is unable to do it or find reasons to speak in front of a group the odd time at work to show you have leadership abilities.
When I was just out of university and working a temp job at a company in London, England, I volunteered to give my team's update at a company meeting which lead to a few pats on the back and other people in the company becoming familiar with who I was.

You are what you wear, the old saying goes. While, of course, that's not exactly true, how you dress conveys an important message about yourself. That message is particularly important at work where not it's not just your memos and your bright ideas that are being judged. With the Grammy's behind us and the Oscar's almost here (February 26th), it's a perfect opportunity to appreciate the important role style plays in conveying one's brand. As hard as it may be to believe, the red carpet is actually the celebrity's workplace and they don't spend tens of thousands of dollars on stylists and designers for nothing. Here are some celebrity examples of how style can reinforce one's personal and professional brand.

To view the gallery, click on the pictures below. Story continues below.



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Lady Gaga -- Confident
You know you're great -- maybe even better than all of your colleagues combined. Take some cues from Lady Gaga and you'll be booking squash courts with the boss in no time (where you'll crush her or him). Always daring, at the Grammy's Lady Gaga wore a custom Chanel ensemble, her face covered in fishnet. Although not many jobs call for fishnet, you could add some splash to your wardrobe by donning tights with interesting detail or a bright hooded scarf for on your way to work which at the office could then be worn around your neck. Don't go too far though lest you be known as the office weirdo.
Where to get the look for less: Betsey Johnson often has great deals (check the sales rack) on unique pieces you could get away with at the office. Also, the sales racks at Holt Renfrew are full of shirts, skirts and scarves only a diva could wear. (Be sure it fits in with your office "code" though and isn't something you'll only wear in the change room).