[marvy]

> perks allow [hiring] more cheaply than wage increases

That sounds like the kind of thing some bored economist must have done some kind study on at some point. I'm too lazy to look for it, so maybe someone else can volunteer. I'll just say that sounds very likely to be true.

[infinite8s]

Doesn't even need an economic study. Just some back of the envelope math. Free daily lunch would probably be about $10-$15 per person (especially if ordered in bulk). There are about 250 working days a year (50 weeks * 5 days) so that's only an extra 4k a year in expenses (and perks can be written off as a business expense and not incur income tax expenses). Free daily lunch sounds much better as a perk than a few extra grand salary.