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The most sought-after benefits when deciding on a new job include a four-day working week, unlimited annual leave, and good health benefits, research has revealed. A poll of 2,000 workers also found regular salary increases is the most important factor, followed by at least five weeks’ annual leave, and flexible working hours.<\/p>\n
The ability to work where you want, and a path for promotions, also rank highly among what they want from employers.<\/p>\n
But others want electric car charging ports at the office, and even a big end-of-year Christmas party.<\/p>\n
Healthcare was also seen as a major workplace priority for one in five workers – with 61 percent claiming they would be more likely to apply for a job which offered this benefit, over one that didn’t.<\/p>\n
Sue Weir, chief executive for health cash plan Medicash, which commissioned the research, said: “The days of a job being only about salary have gone, and for many, the other perks offered can sometimes be just as, if not more, attractive.<\/p>\n
“And while good salary increases and flexible working hours rank highly, people are now taking care of their health more than ever.<\/p>\n
“After the past few years, more and more of us are wanting an additional layer of protection to keep us and our families safe.<\/p>\n
“That’s shown in our findings, too – as 62 percent of people think a salary is as important as a caring employer.”<\/p>\n
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The research also found 43 percent of workers want health benefits to be offered by their employers on a paid or subsidised basis – but just 27 percent currently have this in their workplace.<\/p>\n
However, 71 percent would be more likely to stay in a job if they had a “caring” employer with a substantial benefits package.<\/p>\n
It also emerged 52 percent admitted to looking for other jobs in the past 12 months.<\/p>\n
The study, which also polled 500 HR professionals, found 71 percent feel healthcare is an important benefit for current and prospective employees.<\/p>\n
More than half (53 percent) also went as far as to say this perk plays a role in retaining staff.<\/p>\n
A quarter claim to have had staff leave within the last three years due to a lack of health and wellbeing support benefits.<\/p>\n
And just 15 percent considered their employers to be very good at keeping hold of staff and talent.<\/p>\n
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Worryingly, 82 percent of HR staff, polled via OnePoll, said they had seen an increase in people taking time off for their mental health during the “Covid years”.<\/p>\n
And 91 percent were worried about the mental or physical impact the cost-of-living crisis could have on their staff.<\/p>\n
The full report, created by Medicash, can be read in full here.<\/p>\n
Sue Weir added: “Our research of both HR professionals and everyday employees provides a unique insight into the state of the UK’s workforce.<\/p>\n
“There’s a lot of pressure on employees during these testing times, and workers need to feel as if they are being supported by their employers.<\/p>\n
“It seems there’s a growing sense among workers that they feel they deserve that support, and it’s on employers to help provide it, and make working conditions as good as possible.<\/p>\n
“If that can be achieved, it will undoubtedly lead to a happier workplace, and employers will keep hold of their best talent – a win-win situation for everyone.”<\/p>\n