British employees reveal most desired workplace perks

Job site CV-Library is behind the study, which found that 62.1 per cent of of professionals believe workplace perks to be a key consideration when looking for a new job.

As if that weren’t enough to encourage businesses to offer more in order to ensure job satisfaction, some 12.6 per cent admitted they would flatly refuse a role if the would-be employer did not provide workplace perks.

That should be cause for concern, as 71.8 per cent admitted their existing employers fail to offer workplace perks, which suggests that they could soon look for new posts elsewhere if their needs aren’t met.

Indeed, some 70.5 per cent of British workers said workplace perks should be offered by all companies.

“It’s interesting to see that today’s workers are shying away from the more whimsical perks that had become somewhat of a fad in recent years,” said Lee Biggins, founder and MD of CV-Library.

“‘Nap pods’ and ‘office bars’ may be popular in some offices, but the majority of professionals are now steering towards the more practical benefits like flexible working and bonuses.”

[rb_inline_related] The most desirable workplace perks are:

(1)   Flexible working – 47.2 per cent

(2)   Seasonal bonuses – 39.1 per cent

(3)   Extra holiday – 37.3 per cent

(4)   Staff discounts – 22.6 per cent

(5)   Paid time off on your birthday – 21.3 per cent

(6)   Casual dress code –19.8 per cent

(7)   Free fitness facilities or classes – 18 per cent

(8)   Free office snacks and drinks – 18 per cent

(9)   Parties and social activities – 8 per cent

(10) Nap or games room – 5.2 per cent

Biggins added: “It’s concerning to learn that less than a third of employers are offering their staff these perks, especially as employees do take these into consideration when applying for jobs.”

Of those works that do receive workplace perks, the top three were staff discounts, casual dress codes and flexible working at 42.9 per cent, 40.5 per cent and 38.1 per cent respectively. That said, 85 per cent would prefer a pay rise to employee benefits.

“It’s unsurprising that the majority of workers would prefer to see a pay rise over perks, especially post-Christmas when money is tight. And while it’s important that businesses are offering workplace perks, these should not be used as a substitute for fair salaries,” warned Biggins.

“January was a busy month for recruitment with many candidates looking for a new job for the New Year. This is expected to continue well into the next month, meaning employers should take these findings around workplace perks into consideration when looking to attract talented new recruits to their business.”

Image: Shutterstock

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