The company I work for now seems to be serious about a strategy of golden handcuffs, giving more than the going rate, and keeping employees from having to fret about basic needs so they can spend more time focused. It definitely appears to work to retain talent. I could say similar things about the two companies I worked for prior to this one as well. I feel there is something serious and economically competitive to be said for understanding the importance of hiring and keeping good people by paying more than the minimum. Maybe this only works if individual employees aren't easily replaceable. Or, maybe some companies don't try to track the long term financial costs of high turnover.