PERKS AT WORK.

AMERICAN business enterprises; EMPLOYEE services; EMPLOYEE benefits; EMPLOYEE retention; CHILD care; ELDER care

Focuses on perks being offered to retain and attract employees. Shifting focus of companies on wellness, with employers' health-care costs rising 12% in 2004; Availability of drycleaning and laundry services at some companies; Free meals serves to employees of Google; Increased attention being paid to elder-care assistance and rising percentage of companies that provide paid time for fathers who want to stay home with their children.