Discover what truly makes employees feel valued beyond flashy perks. Dive into strategies for identifying companies that offer genuine appreciation, like recognizing hard work, ensuring your voice is heard, and fostering real respect from leadership. Explore practical steps to evaluate potential employers, from researching company culture to insightful interview questions. Plus, learn about innovative ways small businesses boost employee engagement, and celebrate excellence in recruiting leadership.

January Jobs Report Highlights
The 2025 Job Market Begins with a Slow but Steady Start.
January’s jobs report is in: 143,000 jobs added, falling short of expectations as extreme weather and wildfires impacted hiring. The unemployment rate dipped to 4%, decreased by 0.1% from December.
Sector Highlights:
Healthcare continued its hiring momentum with +44,000 jobs, reinforcing its critical role in the economy.
Retail Trade saw +34,000 new jobs, signaling resilience in consumer-driven industries.
College Graduate Unemployment decreased to 2.3% from 2.4% last January.
Key Insights for 2025:
Competition for Skilled Talent Will Rise – Employers must streamline hiring, improve retention strategies, and offer competitive compensation to secure top professionals.
AI & Automation Will Reshape Hiring – Expect data-driven recruitment strategies to optimize hiring and focus on essential skills.
Flexibility Matters – Companies embracing hybrid work models and career development opportunities will attract and retain top-tier talent.
Candidate Spotlight
Controller
CPA, public accounting combo
Proven leader with 10 years of experience
Enjoys working in small to middle market companies that are experiencing growth
Has built out accounting teams and enjoys implementing
Controller
CPA public accounting combo
Audit experience also includes IT and loves to take on technology improvements
Has managed teams of more than 7, including AR, AP, etc
Assistant Controller
CPA, public accounting combo with 8 years of experience
Full cycle GL, Financial reporting experience (ASC 606 and ASC 842)
Senior Accountant
CPA, public combo with 4 years of experience
Recently been in a valuation role within healthcare and is looking to transition to a different industry
Interested in going back to more of a traditional role, or something within private equity/fund accounting
Senior Auditor/Accountant
CPA with 5 years of audit experience
Specializes in internal controls
Looking to transition into an industry role
Controller
BS/MS Accounting
Public Combo, CPA
10 years experience
Middle Market Leader – Controller for $200-300m
Controller
CPA, Big 4 public combo
15 years of combined experience including both public and privately held companies
International experience
SEC reporting, Technical accounting and management of the general ledger with a team of 8
Senior Accountant
Masters, Accounting and CPA eligible
4 years of experience
Main clients are non-profit, city/county, utilities focused in audit but also does bookkeeping
Prepares financial statements and journal entries for clients as they don’t have internal accounting departments
Controller
Accounting Degree
Public Combo, CPA
15+ years experience, including 10+ supervisory
Monthly financials, internal controls implementation, budgeting, forecasting
SAP implementation
Accounting Manager/Assistant Controller
Accounting Degree
Public combo, CPA
15 years experience
Senior Analyst, Transfer Pricing
Big4 public combo with 6 years of experience
Started his career in the private equity, fund accounting space
Responsible for multiple entities, general ledgers, month end close, intercompany accounting
Heavy technical accounting, works with mostly REIT’s, and has some exposure to fair value accounting
Senior Accountant
Public combo
Mostly real estate, development experience and looking to get into a new industry
Staff Accountant
Accounting Degree, OSU
CPA Eligible
2 years of small public accounting experience
Looking for a traditional accounting role
Controller
MS in Taxation
CPA, public accounting combo with 10 years of experience
Full cycle GL accounting, managing a team, financial reporting, M&A
Controller
CPA, public combo with 20+ years of experience
Currently with an oil and gas company overseeing the revenue and property accounting teams
Left public accounting as a manager, servicing industries in both the public and private sector; manufacturing, construction, non-profit, oil and gas
The Best Workplace Perk
The most fulfilling workplaces don’t just offer flashy perks like modern office spaces, happy hours, or unlimited snacks. While those are nice, they don’t replace genuine appreciation and respect.
What really makes employees feel valued?
Being recognized for hard work
Knowing your voice is heard
Experiencing real respect from leadership and peers
If you’re searching for a workplace where you’re truly appreciated, here’s how to spot the right company before accepting an offer:
Research Phase
Look beyond the job description—check company reviews, employee testimonials, and social media to see how employees are recognized. Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn to get an insider’s perspective on company culture.
Application & Interview Phase
Ask targeted questions: How does leadership recognize employee contributions? What’s the company’s approach to professional growth?
Pay attention to the interviewer’s energy—are they engaged, or do they dodge culture-related questions? If visiting in person, observe how employees interact. Do they seem engaged, or just going through the motions?
Follow-Up & Reflection
Assess post-interview communication—a company that values employees will also respect candidates. Ask yourself: Do their actions align with their words? A great culture should be visible, not just promised.
When you find a workplace that values you, you’ll be happier, more productive, and more engaged in your career. Don’t settle for less.
7 Ways to Boost Employee Engagement in Small Businesses
In today’s workplace, engaged employees aren’t just more productive—they are also more committed, innovative, and motivated to drive business success. For small businesses, where every team member plays a pivotal role, employee engagement is the key to long-term growth and resilience.
7 Ways to Boost Employee Engagement in Small Businesses
- Offer Flexibility or Competitive Compensation
Flexible schedules, remote options, or even slight pay increases for in-office employees enhance satisfaction and retention. When flexibility isn’t an option, a well-structured compensation strategy ensures employees feel valued. - Benchmark Salaries Regularly
Your employees know their worth—and so should you. Research market rates to ensure competitive salaries that attract and retain top talent. Compensation transparency builds trust and loyalty within your team. - Get Creative with Perks and Recognition
Beyond salary, small perks and meaningful recognition go a long way. Monthly team lunches, wellness stipends, or public acknowledgments for achievements boost morale and create a culture of appreciation. - Provide Clear Career Advancement Paths
Employees thrive when they see a future within your company. Offer mentorship, professional development, and leadership opportunities to keep them engaged. A lack of growth is one of the top reasons employees leave. - Emphasize Your Strength as a Small Business
Small businesses provide closer collaboration, stronger relationships, and more direct impact. Highlight these advantages and encourage employees to take ownership of their roles. - Foster a Culture of Belonging
A strong sense of community and inclusion makes employees more engaged and committed. Invest in team-building, social events, and open communication to cultivate a connected and motivated workforce. - Empower Managers to Lead Engagement Efforts
Great managers influence engagement through communication, support, and leadership. Encourage autonomy, recognize effort, and prevent burnout by ensuring manageable workloads.
Engagement isn’t just about perks—it’s about creating a workplace where employees feel valued, heard, and motivated to contribute their best.
Celebrating Excellence in Recruiting Leadership
We are excited to share that Troy Ashby, President of Benchmark Search, has been named a finalist for the prestigious Recruiting Leader of the Year award at the 6th Annual HRSTARS Awards Gala, hosted by DallasHR on February 28, 2025! This event honors HR and recruitment professionals who are making significant contributions to the talent acquisition landscape and their communities.
Troy’s commitment to excellence and his passion for connecting top talent with the right opportunities exemplify the high standards we strive for in the industry. Under his leadership, Benchmark Search has continued to provide exceptional recruitment solutions, helping organizations build high-performing teams while actively promoting the growth and development of professionals throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
This recognition reflects not only Troy’s individual achievements but also the collective effort of our team to shape the future of recruitment.
Join us in congratulating Troy on this well-deserved honor as he continues to lead the way in talent acquisition excellence!
Proud to Be Named a Best Place for Working Parents in 2025!

At Benchmark Search, we understand that supporting working parents benefits not only families but also the business as a whole. We’re proud to announce that we have been recognized as a Best Place for Working Parents in 2025! This award highlights our dedication to fostering an environment where professionals can excel, balancing their career ambitions with family responsibilities.
By setting the standard for family-friendly workplaces in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and beyond, we exemplify how valuing both career growth and personal well-being leads to a thriving workforce.
We invite you to reflect on what a truly supportive workplace means to you. For working parents, it may involve flexible scheduling, comprehensive parental leave policies, or a company culture that prioritizes work-life balance. These elements not only enhance employee satisfaction but also drive overall productivity and loyalty.
Let’s celebrate the importance of creating inclusive workplaces that recognize and address the diverse needs of all employees. As employers, it’s essential to cultivate an environment that empowers working parents to thrive both professionally and personally. What initiatives or practices do you consider vital for supporting working parents in the workplace? Share your thoughts with us!







