New research from CV-Library reveals just how important workplace perks are to UK workers, as nearly two thirds (62.1 per cent) of professionals state that they consider these to be a key factor when looking for a job. Furthermore, just over one in ten (12.6 per cent) say that they would turn down a job if the company didn’t offer workplace perks.
Worryingly, the survey of 1,000 professionals also reveals that nearly three quarters of UK professionals (71.8 per cent) don’t currently receive any perks at work. This is despite 70.5 per cent of workers believing that all business should offer them.
When asked what they’d like to receive, the most desirable workplace perks were flexible working (47.2 per cent), seasonal bonuses (39.1 per cent), extra holiday (37.3 per cent) and staff discounts (22.6 per cent).
Paid time off on your birthday (21.3 per cent), casual dress code (19.8 per cent) and free fitness facilities or classes (18 per cent) also ranked highly, while free office snacks and drinks (18 per cent), parties and social activities (8 per cent) and nap or games room (5.2 per cent) propped up the top ten list.
Lee Biggins, founder and managing director of CV-Library comments, ‘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. ‘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.
‘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.’
Workers also reveal the top perks that they receive in their current jobs, with staff discounts (42.9 per cent), casual dress codes (40.5 per cent) and flexible working (38.1 per cent) topping the list. But despite stating that these perks are important to them, a staggering 85 per cent of professionals admit that they would rather see a pay rise than receive other kinds of benefits or perks.
Biggins continues, ‘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 bonuses, these should not be used as a substitute for fair salaries.’
He concludes, ‘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 into consideration when looking to attract talented new recruits to their business.’
Further reading on workplace perks
