Money isn't everything when it comes to enticing workers into a company and keeping them working productively there. In the current economy, employers have to match their competitors pound for pound, but a salary can only go so far.

More Irish companies are offering rental allowances for jobs in Dublin, for example. Others are throwing in health benefits. Some firms use "mystery customers" to check the quality of service offered, and if it's good they offer on-the-spot bonuses.

While these financial rewards are important, there are other aspects which employees regard as just as important, such as a fun working environment, job security, recognition for a job well done, involvement in decisions that affect their work, interesting and challenging work, opportunities for promotion, personal feelings of accomplishment, time off, fair management practices, and relationships with co-workers and management.