The corporate structure of today is quite different from the corporate structure of a few decades ago. As more people have been able to obtain degrees through higher education, more talent has entered the workforce. As a result, more positions now require degrees. Careers are nearly as plentiful as degrees, and for the most talented in the workforce, this means they have options, and companies are aware of this. This is the reason in recent years corporations have tried to set up attractive benefits and workspaces. Here are five characteristics of a business that is inviting and engaging.

1. Be Environmentally Aware

If you’re trying to attract the best workers, that means you have to adopt some practices that are important to them. These practices should also be important to you and your business, because in the end, they’re good for everyone. There is a direct correlation between being more educated and being more eco-conscious. Educated individuals are more likely to support political candidates who have an agenda that promotes sustainability.

This means they’re likely to also be more attracted to working for a company that promotes environmentally sound practices. There’s an added benefit, as if attracting the best workers and doing good for the environment isn’t enough: When you buy solar panels you drastically decrease your utility bill. The panels will pay for themselves after just a few years. After that, the savings is huge.

But don’t stop there. Organize a company green team to help your company identify the many ways it can adapt practices that are environmentally sound. Your employees will rave about working for a company that has compassion for the future of the earth.

2. Demonstrate Your Social Responsibility

Being socially responsible means many things. It means your business celebrates diversity and believes in giving back. It means you’re willing to do things that might take from your profits. Think of the shoe companies who advertise that for every pair you purchase a pair will be donated to a person living in poverty. Does your business produce anything that might benefit someone who is struggling?

Get involved in community events and sponsoring non-profits. Allow your employees to use their work time to support organizations with which your company provides direct support. The recognition your business will receive from this type of philanthropy will be worth the expense.

You can also be socially responsible in your hiring practices. Are your hiring practices inclusive and diverse? Do you have employees with disabilities as well as from all over the world? Social responsibility means being giving and being inclusive.

3. Create a Fun Company Culture

Word will get out regarding your company culture. Employees who work for you now and employees who worked for you in the past will tell their friends who are considering working for your company the good, the bad and the ugly. The best thing you can do is not allow the ugly.

Several years back, Google was famous for its company culture. It had bean bags spread around so employees could be productive in a relaxed environment. During breaks, employees could play ping pong or take a dip in the pool. They were even offered free haircuts and all their meals. While not every company can afford these perks, there is a lesson here. Catering to your employees not only attracts the best, but it reduces turnover.

4. Have Good Benefits

It should go without saying that benefits are important to employees. Everything from health insurance to sick leave matters, and these things get weighed when employees are trying to determine where to go. As you build your benefits package, be generous where you can. Maybe you can offer an exceptional vacation package, or match their 401K contribution up to 6%. Both of these are meaningful benefits and worth it to your business to attract the best employees.

You don’t have to be a big corporation to jump in on some of these practices. Most you can even start implementing right away. The workplace is an extension of an employee’s identity. The more they can take pride in where they work, the happier and more loyal they will be to their business home.

Lindsey Patterson is a freelance writer and entrepreneur based in the US who specialises in business technology, customer relationship management and lead management. She also writes about the latest social trends, specifically involving social media.