Health plans and 401(k)s are fine, but some firms get creative in the perks they offer staffers.

Paychecks alone are simply not enough to keep employees motivated, never mind attract new talent.

"Today's generation expects more perks," says Laura Smith, EVP and HR director, US and Canada, at Edelman. "And [there] is a small number of firms competing for a small number of people."

Add to that a greater emphasis on achieving work-life balance, and agencies are truly challenged to find creative incentives ...