In order to lure new workers and retain the old, some companies give employees sizable bonuses just for coming back to work, while others offer cash for every new employee they bring along with them.

FORBES: Putting Foxconn's Wage Rises in Context

Where it was struggling in North America, the world's largest chemical market, BASF has streamlined operations, closing old plants, acquiring a slew of new businesses and cutting the number of employees by 15%.

FORBES: Chemistry Lesson

But the century-old Gorham paper mill is running again, under new owners, with 176 employees and plans to hire 48 more.

WSJ: Tissue Rolls to Mill's Rescue

Employees in India organized HP Hackathons that brought together programmers and developers to quickly generate new solutions to old problems.

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