Discuss your views about whether discretionary employee benefits should be an entitlement or something earned based on job performance.Discretionary employee benefits, which are ones not mandated by law,include:Vacation leave, sick leave, dental insurance, 401(K) plans, vision insurance, pensions, health insurance, andprescription drug insurance.Social security and medicare aren't discretionary as they are required by law.I hate to say that we are entitled to receive these discretionary benefits, but I think that in order for companies to be competitive, to attract good employees, and to retain good employees, they need to offer them - or a majority of them.I do think that initially an employee has to earn it. This would fall into a companies 3 month waiting period - to be sure that they are good fit for the company able to perform the job required.After that time, I believe that all orsome ofthese benefits are necessary to help families provide for their families.Response 2When an person applies for a job they are looking for compensation that will allow them to meet the needs of themselves and their families. Therefore, I do believe that discretionary benefits should be entitled because they are for the most part necessary. An employee needs to take time off so as not to get burned out and to maintain a healthy balance of work and life. Medical, dental, vision benefits are also a priority for an employee to meet the needs of family and self. I think that although its not the law, if an organization wants to recruit good people, and retain them, then they need to meet the needs of that person and then they are lesslikely to leave the company. I also believe they are more likely to work hard because they are being compensated in a way that is considerate of them, and they don't just feel like they are working but not appreciated for the job they do. I know in my position it is hard, because I am a person who does go above and beyond and being told I am capped out when my rate of pay is not high at all, is an insult; to not even be considered for COLA is like a slap in the face. I really do enjoy my position, and one perk is I can make my schedule, and I also take advantage of free child care. I think that is the reason I don't get to upset about not qualifyingfor a raise, because of the benefits. Therefore, benefits go along way even when there is a lack of