With the world’s economy all but bleak, I was surprised to stumble upon an article recently that implied companies need to be aggressive and stand out in order to lure in top talent. Really? Isn’t EVERYONE looking for a job?

Apparently, though, it’s a real game to try to hire and retain superstar staff. Dr. John Sullivan, who was once called “Michael Jordan of hiring” by Fast Company, highlights 10 Bold and Outrageous HR and Talent Management Practices, which he gathered from top companies all around the globe. Three I liked: Google will pay any surviving spouse or domestic partner 50 percent of its employee’s paycheck for 10 years; Netflix gives its employees unlimited vacation and sick time; and DNAnexus offers $20,000 employee referral bonuses.

I’m still happy with my all-you-can-read Reader’s Digest magazines, but those are pretty cool.